1.
spinning one's wheels; running in circles; futile effort
Expending energy or effort without achieving results, like a wheel spinning without moving forward.
努力が空回りしている。
My efforts are going nowhere.
焦って空回りしてしまった。
I rushed and ended up spinning my wheels.
会議が空回りして何も決まらなかった。
The meeting went in circles and nothing was decided.
ETYMOLOGY:
空 (empty) + 回り (turning) - like a wheel turning without traction, not getting anywhere.
USAGE:
Describes situations where:
- Hard work doesn't produce results
- Enthusiasm or energy is misdirected
- Discussions go nowhere
COLLOCATIONS:
- 空回りする - to spin one's wheels
- 努力が空回りする - efforts go nowhere
- 気持ちが空回りする - enthusiasm is misdirected