Idioms: "Run circles around someone" versus "to run around in circles"

Idioms are already a confusing part for any language learner. Adding to this perplexity are idioms that sound very much alike such as, "to run circles around someone" and "to run around in circles." They might sound similar at first, but they hold distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. In this article, we'll untangle these idioms and provide examples to illustrate their differences.

1. "To Run Circles Around Someone"

When someone is said to "run circles around someone," it means that they show a remarkable level of skill, competence, or ability in comparison to another person. This idiom underscores the superiority or dominance of one individual over another in a specific skill or activity. It is often used to highlight the vast difference in capability between the two parties.

Examples:

• In the debate competition, Jannah ran circles around her opponent with her sharp arguments and extensive knowledge of the topic.
• On the basketball court, Michael Jordan could run circles around his competitors with his unmatched agility and shooting precision.

2. "To Run Around in Circles"

Conversely, "to run around in circles" describes a situation where people or activities appear to be busy but lack purpose, direction, or progress. It conveys a sense of aimlessness, confusion, or inefficiency. When individuals or groups are said to be running around in circles, they may be doing or talking about the same thing without achieving meaningful results.

Examples:

• The project team has been running around in circles for weeks, discussing the same issues without making any decisions.
• During the emergency, the staff seemed to be running around in circles, unsure of what steps to take to address the situation.

In summary, while both idioms involve the concept of "circles," they convey entirely different meanings and are used to describe distinct scenarios:

"To run circles around someone" praises exceptional competence and skill, highlighting one person's superiority over another in a particular area.

"To run around in circles" depicts a state of disorganization or aimlessness, where people appear busy but make little or no progress.

Understanding the nuances of idiomatic expressions like these can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. So, next time you hear these idioms, you'll be able to run circles around any potential confusion regarding their meanings!