square the circle

Idioms  

1. Try to do the impossible, as in Getting that bill through the legislature is the same as trying to square the circle. This idiom alludes to the impossibility of turning a circle into a square. John Donne may have been the first to use it (Sermons, 1624): “Go not thou about to square either circle (God or thyself).”

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Example Sentences

Throughout the pandemic era growth has largely exceeded that rate even as inflation has continued to fall, and Powell at his post-meeting press conference on Wednesday tried to square the circle.

From Reuters • Nov. 3, 2023

“How do you square the circle between needing cash and hiking interest rates to keep the picture from spiraling out of control? In my view, there is no good solution.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 29, 2023

It was a financial vehicle to square the circle.

From Slate • Aug. 24, 2023

This can then lead to an identity crisis, attempts to square the circle and, potentially, a reversion to the norm — with, one hopes, a few healthy edits.

From Washington Post • Mar. 24, 2022

Now take my first, reverse its spell, 'Twill make my fourth; and he, note well, Could solve the problems mighty— To square the circle, change to gold, Perpetual motion to unfold, And make elixir vitæ.

From Harper's Young People, June 22, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly by Various