square the circle
The phrase "square the circle" originates from a classical geometry problem that was proven to be impossible, and is now used figuratively to describe attempts at solving very difficult or impossible problems.
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Definition
C2Geometry
(technical, historical)To attempt to create a square with the same area as a given circle using only a compass and straightedge, a task that is mathematically impossible.
C1General
(figurative)To try to solve a problem that is extremely difficult or impossible.
Example
- Trying to get these two departments to work together is like trying to square the circle.
- He attempted to square the circle by merging the two incompatible systems.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "square the circle":
set squaresquare offout of squareon the squaremagic squarefull circlemagic circlecircle game