hamster wheel

== English == === Alternative forms === hamster-wheel (verb) === Noun === hamster wheel (plural hamster wheels) A circular cage for a hamster or other small rodent, which rotates vertically as the animal runs at its base. (figuratively, by extension) A monotonous, repetitive, unfulfilling activity, especially one in which no progress is achieved. ==== Synonyms ==== (rotating cage): squirrel cage (a monotonous, repetitive, unfulfilling activity): rat race === Verb === hamster wheel (third-person singular simple present hamster wheels, present participle hamster wheeling, simple past and past participle hamster wheeled) (intransitive, informal, idiomatic) To cycle fruitlessly. === See also === hamsterization rationalization hamster exercise wheel cat wheel === Anagrams === weather helms