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

See Examples For:

square the circle

They square the circle of Swift masterminding a full-scale trolling of media and fans while simultaneously hosting a cotton-candy celebrity circus where an awkward wallflower finally, triumphantly blooms.

From Salon ● Jul. 9, 2026

Is there a way for Mr. Warsh to square the circle?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 20, 2026

“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

There have been times, Ms Wong says, that she simply couldn't square the circle and had to leave her job.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2021

Attempts to "square the circle," when made intelligently, were not only commendable but have been productive of the most valuable results.

From The Seven Follies of Science [2nd ed.] A popular account of the most famous scientific impossibilities and the attempts which have been made to solve them. by John Phin

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