circle the drain

== English == === Pronunciation === === Verb === circle the drain (third-person singular simple present circles the drain, present participle circling the drain, simple past and past participle circled the drain) (informal, idiomatic) To be in a rapid decline or in a state of downfall, especially as leading to an inevitable utter failure or destruction. ==== Usage notes ==== Often used in the present participial form: circling the drain. === See also === down the drain down the tubes downward spiral go down the toilet