B2idiomeverydayIELTS-friendly
a vicious circle
USUK
a situation where one problem causes another, which then makes the first one worse
American English often says 'a vicious cycle'. Useful in IELTS for problems like poverty, stress or pollution.
In context
I drink coffee because I'm tired, then I can't sleep. It's a vicious circle.
Poverty and poor education can trap families in a vicious circle.
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