Meaning
To make no progress or to repeat the same actions without achieving anything.
Cultural Background
In France, 'tourner en rond' is often associated with the 'administration' (bureaucracy). It's a common complaint when trying to get official papers. In Quebec, you might also hear 'virer en rond', using the verb 'virer' (to turn/veer) instead of 'tourner'. Similar to France, but often used in the context of political stalemates between the different linguistic regions. The phrase is used but often accompanied by more colorful local metaphors for stagnation, though 'tourner en rond' remains the standard in formal education.
Use it for boredom
If you're a student and have nothing to do, say 'Je tourne en rond'. It sounds very natural and native.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'en ronds'. Even if a whole group is stuck, the 'rond' stays singular.
Meaning
To make no progress or to repeat the same actions without achieving anything.
Use it for boredom
If you're a student and have nothing to do, say 'Je tourne en rond'. It sounds very natural and native.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'en ronds'. Even if a whole group is stuck, the 'rond' stays singular.
Combine with 'commencer à'
Saying 'Je commence à tourner en rond' is a great, polite way to signal you want to leave a boring situation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Depuis ce matin, je ______ en ______ car je ne trouve pas mes clés.
The verb must match 'je' (tourne) and the idiom is always 'en rond'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'tourner en rond'?
Situation:
This represents a lack of progress, which is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
Fill in the missing line.
A: On fait quoi pour le dîner ? B: Je ne sais pas. A: On a déjà proposé pizza, pâtes et sushi... B: ________.
They are repeating the same suggestions without deciding, so they are 'going in circles'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDepuis ce matin, je ______ en ______ car je ne trouve pas mes clés.
The verb must match 'je' (tourne) and the idiom is always 'en rond'.
Situation:
This represents a lack of progress, which is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
A: On fait quoi pour le dîner ? B: Je ne sais pas. A: On a déjà proposé pizza, pâtes et sushi... B: ________.
They are repeating the same suggestions without deciding, so they are 'going in circles'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, literally it works, but usually people will think you mean you are lost or stuck.
It can be slightly critical in a meeting, implying they are wasting time. Use 'On tourne en rond' (We) to be more polite.
'Stagner' is more formal and often used for economics or water. 'Tourner en rond' is more visual and common in speech.
In this context, it acts as a noun meaning 'circle'.
No, that doesn't exist in French, even if you are walking in a square room!
Very often. It describes projects that have no clear direction.
That is 'un cercle vicieux'. 'Tourner en rond' is the action of being in one.
No, always 'EN rond'.
Yes, if you keep having the same fight without solving it.
'Avancer' (to move forward) or 'progresser'.
Related Phrases
Faire du surplace
synonymTo stay in the same spot despite effort.
Tourner autour du pot
similarTo beat around the bush.
Le serpent qui se mord la queue
builds onA vicious circle.
Avancer à grands pas
contrastTo make rapid progress.
