Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

circle the drain

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.95 in modern English

Syllables: cir-cle the drain
IPA

22

Scrabble Score

14

Letters

2

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To be in a rapid decline or in a state of downfall, especially as leading to an inevitable utter failure or destruction.

Informal

Example Sentences

"Our emergency medical services are, nonetheless, circling the drain."
"Presciently, the high-end Japanese bathroom-fixtures manufacturer Toto chose a time when the economy is circling the drain to launch its newest product—a $5,000 commode with a super-efficient flush."
"Needless to say, the guy on the phone would be watching his life circle the drain, imagining the horrific press and the life-destroying damage this false accusation would cause."

Usage

Informal

Inflected Forms

circles the drain (present, singular) circling the drain (participle, present) circled the drain (participle, past) circled the drain (past)

Phrases

down the drain down the tubes downward spiral go down the toilet

Frequently Paired Words

down the drain down the tubes downward spiral go down the toilet

Questions

What does circle the drain mean?: To be in a rapid decline or in a state of downfall, especially as leading to an inevitable utter failure or destruction.

How to pronounce circle the drain

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “circle the drain”.
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