squirrel cage

== English == === Alternative forms === squirrel's cage === Noun === squirrel cage (plural squirrel cages) A circular cage for a squirrel or other small animal, which rotates vertically as the animal runs at the bottom. (figuratively, by extension) A tedious, repetitive, unfulfilling activity or situation, especially one in which no progress is achieved. 1986, Madison Smartt Bell, Straight Cut (2011 Open Road Media edition), →ISBN, (Google Preview): So maybe I wouldn't even call Kevin. . . . Or I could just see him socially. . . . Or I could . . . . Or, or, or. . . . I was still running around in this squirrel cage when the big gray poisonous cloud that usually covers New York materialized just off the right wing. (engineering) Any other device, such as a fan or rotor, that resembles a squirrel cage in form. ==== Synonyms ==== squirrel wheel ==== Derived terms ==== squirrel-cage motor === See also === hamster wheel