merry-go-round

/'merigou,raund/

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Word: Merry-go-round

Definition:

A merry-go-round is a noun that has two main meanings:

Usage Instructions:

• Use the first definition when talking about amusement parks or playgrounds.
• Use the second definition in discussions about life events, work situations, or any repetitive cycle that feels frustrating.

Examples:

1. Amusement Ride: "The children laughed as they rode the merry-go-round at the park."
2. Cycle of Events: "After several job changes in a year, she felt stuck in a merry-go-round of employment."

Advanced Usage:

In a more complex discussion, you might say, "The political merry-go-round continues, with politicians constantly changing their positions without any real progress."

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "merry-go-round," but you might find related terms like "carousel," which is similar and often used interchangeably.

Different Meanings:

• While the primary meanings are mentioned, the second meaning can also apply to any situation involving repetitive tasks, such as the "merry-go-round of daily chores."

Synonyms:

• For the amusement ride: Carousel, Roundabout
• For the cycle of events: Cycle, Routine, Repetition

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use "merry-go-round," but you might hear phrases like "going in circles" or "stuck in a loop," which convey a similar feeling of repetition and lack of progress.

Summary:

A merry-go-round can be a fun ride for children or a metaphor for repetitive and seemingly pointless activities.

Academic

Noun

1. a large, rotating machine with seats for children to ride or amusement
2. a never-ending cycle of activities and events (especially when they seem to have little purpose)
   • if we lose the election the whole legislative merry-go-round will have to start over

Synonyms

• carousel
• carrousel
• roundabout
• whirligig