in a vicious circle
In a negative situation that by its own nature continues to worsen over time, rather than having a chance to improve or be resolved. The underdeveloped country has long been trapped in a vicious circle of poverty from which its citizens have no way of escaping. I use my credit card because I don't make enough money to pay my bills, and as soon as I get paid, any extra money goes toward my credit card bill. I'm caught in a vicious circle—and constantly broke! After a month of working nights, I'm usually caught in a vicious circle of being exhausted during the day and wide awake at night.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
*in a vicious circle
Fig. in a situation in which the solution of one problem leads to a second problem, and the solution of the second problem brings back the first problem, etc. (*Typically: be ~; get [into] ~.) Life is so strange. I seem to be in a vicious circle most of the time. I put lemon in my tea to make it sour, then sugar to make it sweet. I'm in a vicious circle. Don't let your life get into a vicious circle.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.