hamster wheel

[ ham-ster hweel, weel ]

noun

1. a cylindrical framework, usually within a cage, that is rotated by a hamster or other small animal running inside of it.
2. any situation that seems to be endlessly without goal or achievement.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamster wheel¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

When circus-goers witness acts like a triple somersault on the trapeze or spinning in a human hamster wheel without a harness, they see a fleeting moment that is said to have divine impact.

From Los Angeles Times

It's just the same toxic perpetual hamster wheel showcasing male hip-hop artists do not care about the abuse against women unless it benefits them or is used to cut someone else down.

From Salon

Fans of minimalism should abstain, because at Eurovision, even a modest ballad can be performed with wind machines, fur-lined capes or musicians playing upside down in a gigantic hamster wheel.

From New York Times

Also, given that so many of them grew up on a highly structured, meritocratic hamster wheel, you could argue their college years are more childlike than their childhoods.

From Salon

“Just the habit of having to do, and go fast, and get stuff done — it’s a hamster wheel and it’s really nice to be reminded to step off and just be.”

From Los Angeles Times