Vicious circle
Meaning
A situation where one problem leads to another, which in turn exacerbates the first problem, creating a continuous and worsening cycle.
Origin
Before it described our everyday troubles, the 'vicious circle' was a sharp instrument of ancient logic. Philosophers, particularly in the Roman era, used the Latin term circulus vitiosus to expose a flaw in reasoning: circular arguments where the conclusion was already lurking, unproven, within the very premise. It was a clever way to call out intellectual trickery! Over centuries, this precise logical concept began to stretch beyond the confines of academic debate. By the late 18th century, English speakers embraced 'vicious circle' to describe real-world predicaments where one problem inevitably leads to another, which then circles back to intensify the original issue, creating a relentless, self-perpetuating cycle of misery. The philosophical weapon had transformed into a common lament for inescapable dilemmas.
Examples
- The company found itself caught in a vicious circle, where declining sales led to budget cuts, which then further reduced their ability to innovate and attract customers.
- She worried that her anxiety about public speaking was a vicious circle, making her avoid opportunities to practice, which in turn intensified her fear.