Example
“The negotiators must square the circle of lowering prices while raising workers' wages.”
Dictionary details
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
back to square one
CEFR B2to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed
circle back
CEFR B1to return to a topic or person later, after other things have happened
vicious circle
CEFR B2a loop of cause and effect in which each problem makes the next one worse
virtuous circle
CEFR C1a beneficial loop in which each success makes the next success more likely
body blow
CEFR B2a major setback that seriously weakens a person, organization, or effort
break the back of
CEFR B2to get past the main obstacle so that the remaining work becomes easier
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.