hamster wheel
The term "hamster wheel" can refer to both a physical exercise device for small rodents and a metaphor for repetitive, unproductive activity.
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Definition
B1Pet Care
(literal)A circular device that rotates as a small rodent runs inside, providing exercise.
Example
- The hamster runs on its wheel every night for exercise.
B2Everyday Life
(figurative, idiomatic)A monotonous and repetitive activity that feels unproductive and unending.
Example
- He feels like he's stuck on a hamster wheel, doing the same tasks every day without any progress.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hamster wheel":
exercise wheeldog wheelspinner wheelwheel aboutwagon wheelbig wheelhog mousesquirrel cagepower wheel