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squirrel cage

/ˈskwɪrəl keɪdʒ/

1 entry

phrase

/ˈskwɪrəl keɪdʒ/C1informal
  • ruСитуация или система, характеризующаяся повторяющейся, бессмысленной или непродуктивной деятельностью, которая занимает человека, но ни к чему не приводит, подобно бегу в колесе.

A situation or system characterized by repetitive, meaningless, or unproductive activity that keeps one busy but leads nowhere, similar to a hamster wheel.

  1. A repetitive, pointless activityB2informal

    A situation or routine that is endlessly repetitive and leads nowhere, like a hamster running on a wheel.

    ruБессмысленная рутина

    • Working in that office felt like a squirrel cage; the same tasks every day with no progress.
    • He felt trapped in a squirrel cage of debt and bills.
    • The endless meetings were a squirrel cage of wasted time.
  2. A physical device for exerciseA2formal

    A rotating cage used by small pets, like squirrels or hamsters, for exercise.

    ruБеговое колесо

    • The pet store sells a large squirrel cage for active hamsters.
    • The squirrel ran inside its cage for hours.
    • A squirrel cage is a simple way to keep a pet active.