English Idiom – Square the circle.
Meaning – To try to do something that is impossible. An attempt to do something that is extremely difficult and is unlikely to be successful.
This idiom references an ancient geometry problem – the challenge of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle by using only a finite number of steps with compass and straightedge (ruler). This problem was found to be impossible to solve, therefore this expression became a metaphor for trying to do the impossible.
If you go back to square one on something you are starting again.
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- Two parties have a disagreement and reaching some kind of agreement looks impossible.
- A colleague wants you to complete an assignment for them, but you are both unable and unwilling to help them.
- Political rivals disagree about a policy change and they both refuse to negotiate.
Example:
- “You’ll have to square the circle to get the Democrats and the Republicans to agree on this!”
In The News:
Discuss:
- Is there an idiom like this in your country?
What is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.