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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Distinguish close trusted relationships, shared social networks, and conversations or work that go nowhere.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptAn “inner circle” is a small group of people someone trusts closely. People who “run in the same circles” share social or professional settings. If someone “runs circles around” another person, they perform much better. “Go around in circles” describes effort without progress, while “circle back” means return to a topic later and “come full circle” means return to an earlier point after change.
Cultural note: “Inner circle” can suggest exclusivity, and “run circles around” compares people’s performance. “Talk in circles” is critical; use it only when someone is genuinely being unclear or avoiding a point. The phrase does not prove intent.
Keep exploringThe same shape can describe trusted relationships, shared networks, exceptional skill, or a discussion that is not moving forward.
Phrase guide · 7 expressions
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Distinguish close relationships from broader shared social settings.
Meaning
The small group of people someone trusts most.
Tone & use
Common in personal, professional, and political contexts; it can imply limited access or influence.
Example
“Only two colleagues were in the director’s inner circle, but important decisions were still documented for the whole team.”
Meaning
Move in similar social or professional groups and encounter similar people.
Tone & use
Usually describes overlapping networks, not necessarily close friendship.
Example
“They had not met before, but they ran in the same design circles and knew many of the same people.”
Understand an informal phrase that compares performance.
Meaning
Perform much better or faster than another person or group.
Tone & use
Informal and comparative; it can sound boastful or belittling when directed at a person.
Example
“The experienced mechanic ran circles around the rest of us when diagnosing the engine problem.”
Describe stalled discussion and returning to a topic.
Meaning
Spend time and effort without making progress or reaching a decision.
Tone & use
Common and mildly critical; identify what is blocking progress rather than blaming people.
Example
“We went around in circles until someone wrote down the two decisions we needed to make.”
Meaning
Talk at length without communicating clearly or directly addressing a subject.
Tone & use
Critical; it may imply avoidance, but ask for clarification before assuming that is intentional.
Example
“The spokesperson seemed to talk in circles, so the reporter asked the question in a more specific way.”
Meaning
Return to a subject or question later.
Tone & use
Common in workplaces; can sound like business jargon if used too often.
Example
“We are out of time, so let’s circle back to the budget question tomorrow.”
Meaning
Return to an earlier point, situation, or idea after a period of change.
Tone & use
Often used for a career, story, or process that ends where it began in some meaningful way.
Example
“After years in management, she came full circle and returned to teaching new employees.”
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