Gransnet forums

Pedants' corner

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise

Vicious circle or cycle?

(20 Posts)
Add comment | Report
ExDancer Sun 19-Jun-22 12:56:00

Just what it says on the title, above. I hear both 'circle' and 'cycle' used to describe the same vicious thing - but which is correct?

Add comment | Report
Blossoming Sun 19-Jun-22 12:58:26

Circle

Add comment | Report
JaneJudge Sun 19-Jun-22 12:59:10

I say cycle grin

Add comment | Report
Parsley3 Sun 19-Jun-22 13:01:26

mobile.twitter.com/susie_dent/status/1351213531371286530

Vicious 'circle' pips 'cycle' by a century. Similarly, 'another think coming' came before 'another thing coming', but the misapprehension happened within a few years (in the late 19th century).

Susie Dent knows about this kind of thing.

Add comment | Report
Elizabeth27 Sun 19-Jun-22 13:02:51

I would say both are correct, a vicious circle would be never-ending but a cycle would be events that end but can flare up again.

Add comment | Report
Parsley3 Sun 19-Jun-22 13:04:49

I use both, I have discovered but I don’t think it is a conscious decision.

Add comment | Report
sodapop Sun 19-Jun-22 17:12:34

I always say vicious circle never cycle.

Add comment | Report
Georgesgran Sun 19-Jun-22 17:44:28

It’s a circle from me.

Add comment | Report
Lucca Sun 19-Jun-22 17:52:39

Circle and think

Him about off his own bat ? Back ? For me it’s bat.

Add comment | Report
Lucca Sun 19-Jun-22 18:37:36

How about … not him about

Add comment | Report
Parsley3 Sun 19-Jun-22 18:38:32

Bat for me too but I will consult Ms Dent.

Add comment | Report
lemsip Sun 19-Jun-22 19:47:53

circle!

Add comment | Report
AGAA4 Sun 19-Jun-22 20:54:03

Circle and bat.

Add comment | Report
tanith Sun 19-Jun-22 21:00:48

Circle

Add comment | Report
NotSpaghetti Sun 19-Jun-22 21:02:00

Circle for me too

Add comment | Report
dragonfly46 Sun 19-Jun-22 21:07:13

Circle and bat!

Add comment | Report
Marmight Sun 19-Jun-22 21:47:21

Circle & Bat

Add comment | Report
Shinamae Sun 19-Jun-22 21:52:09

Circle/bat

Add comment | Report
Elegran Sun 19-Jun-22 21:57:14

Circle and bat. I think "off his own bat" comes from cricket.

Yes, it is. www.sunderlandecho.com/news/off-your-own-back-and-four-other-common-english-phrases-you-may-be-using-incorrectly-404542

Add comment | Report
MaizieD Sat 25-Jun-22 09:15:55

Circle, think and bat...

Page 1 of 1
Flip | Customise