English idiom

full circle

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

back to the original position or state after a series of changes

Why this phrase?

Pictures a circle returning to its start; figuratively means returning to the beginning.

Example

“Fashion has come full circle, and flared jeans are back.”

Dictionary details

Alternate forms

come full circle

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

so far so good

used to say that things have gone well up to now

end of story

used to say that there is nothing more to add or discuss

the rest is history

later events are already familiar or easily assumed, so they need no further telling

shut up shop

to stop working for the day or to close a business permanently

sign of the times

an event or development that reveals what a particular era is like

watch this space

used to say that more news or developments will come soon

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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