PhrasesHub

To square the circle

    Definitions

      • attempt the impossible
        to try to do something that is very difficult or impossible to achieve

      • reconcile conflicting ideas or beliefs
        to try to find a way to make two opposing things or ideas work together

    Examples of To square the circle

    • Trying to reconcile two conflicting ideas or beliefs is like trying to square the circle.

      The expression "square the circle" is a metaphorical term used to describe a task that is impossible to achieve. It derives from the mathematical problem of constructing a square with an exact side length equal to the diameter of a given circle. This is an impossible task, as the ratio between the circumference of a circle and its diameter is a mathematical constant (pi, approximately 3.14159). In common usage, "to square the circle" refers to any seemingly intractable problem that defies logical solution, particularly one in which two opposing concepts or principles need to be harmonized or reconciled.

    • The government is attempting to balance the budget while increasing public spending, a task comparable to squaring the circle.

      This idiomatic expression is employed to describe a situation where two seemingly opposing goals are being pursued at the same time. In this example, the government is trying to decrease expenses and minimize debts (to balance the budget) while simultaneously increasing expenditures (to fulfill its obligations to the public). This situation is analogous to the mathematical problem of squaring the circle, as it appears to be an inherently contradictory and thorny issue.

    • The company's merger with its biggest competitor seemed like a way to square the circle, since it would combine their resources and give them an overwhelming market share.

      In this case, "to square the circle" is used to signify that the merger was intended to resolve a challenging dilemma, in this case, how to establish a dominant position in the market. By joining forces with their principal rival, the companies hoped to gain a decisive edge over other competitors and dominate their industry. However, as with any attempt to square the circle, the achievement of this outcome was uncertain and subject to various external factors that could ultimately render the approach impractical.

    • After years of trying to square the circle, the committee finally reached a compromise that satisfied all parties.

      This expression is utilized to depict a lengthy and complicated process aimed at reconciling conflicting perspectives or positions. The expression "to square the circle" highlights the inherent difficulty and perceived impossibility of reconciling two opposing factors, as illustrated earlier. The fact that the committee ultimately found a solution that satisfied everyone suggests that, while the task was challenging, it was not entirely impossible. This outcome may have come as a welcome relief to the parties involved, who had endured a prolonged and potentially contentious standoff in an effort to find a resolution that met everyone's needs.

    • Trying to reconcile two contradictory beliefs or situations is like trying to "square the circle."

      The phrase "square the circle" is used to describe an impossible task or a hopeless attempt to resolve two contradictory things. In mathematics, squaring a circle means finding a square with the same area as a given circle. However, this is mathematically impossible because the ratio of the circumference to the diameter of a circle is a mathematical constant called pi (π), which is an irrational number, whereas the ratio of the perimeter of a square to its side is always a whole number. Therefore, to "square the circle" would be to achieve the impossible, or to find a resolution to two conflicting ideas where none can be found.

    • The two opposing political parties tried to "square the circle" by proposing a budget that would satisfy both the demand for increased defense spending and lowered taxes, but they failed to find a feasible solution because their positions were fundamentally irreconcilable.

      This example shows how the phrase "square the circle" can be used to describe the failure to find a solution to two conflicting demands. It highlights the futility of trying to reconcile fundamentally contradictory positions.

    • Her attempts to "square the circle" by simultaneously pursuing a successful career and raising a young family proved to be an insurmountable challenge, requiring a delicate balance of prioritization and sacrifice.

      This example illustrates how the phrase "square the circle" can be used to describe a challenging situation that requires a delicate balance between opposing demands. It highlights the difficulty of achieving a resolution that meets both conflicting demands simultaneously.

    • The company tried to "square the circle" by downsizing its workforce while maintaining the same level of productivity, but the result was a decrease in output due to the loss of experience and expertise.

      This example demonstrates how the phrase "square the circle" can be used to describe the unintended consequences of trying to reconcile two conflicting demands. It highlights the unforeseen negative outcomes that can result from attempting to achieve the impossible.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to square the circle" can be used to describe attempting the impossible or trying to reconcile conflicting ideas or beliefs. In both cases, the phrase conveys the idea of taking on a daunting or seemingly impossible task.

    Origin of "To square the circle"

    The origin of the idiom "to square the circle" can be traced back to ancient Greece. In mathematics, the phrase referred to the challenge of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle using only a compass and straightedge, a task which was proven to be impossible using classical geometric methods. This mathematical conundrum became a symbol for the impossible or unattainable.

    Over time, the idiom took on a broader meaning, encompassing any task that is extremely difficult or impossible to accomplish. It is often used in a figurative sense to describe situations where someone is attempting to achieve something that seems unattainable or is trying to reconcile two conflicting ideas or beliefs. The phrase has become a common part of the English language, used in various contexts to convey the idea of taking on a challenging or impossible task.