come full circle: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘come full circle’ mean?
The idiom "come full circle" means to return to the starting point or the original situation after a series of events. It signifies completion or the closing of a cycle.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "swing round the circle" means to go through or visit a series of locations or events in a circular or repetitive manner.
The idiom "every time" is used to indicate that something happens consistently or repeatedly. It can also imply that something always occurs in conjunction with a specific action or event.
The idiom "easy come, easy go" means that something acquired quickly or easily is just as easily lost or taken away.
The idiom "double back" means to turn around and go back in the opposite direction. It is often used to describe a change in plans or a reversal of a previous decision.
The idiom "cut both ways" means that a situation or action can have both positive and negative consequences. It implies that something can have a double-edged effect or outcome.
The idiom "come up" means to arise or occur, often unexpectedly or suddenly. It can also refer to reaching a certain point in a discussion or meeting.
The idiom "come of age" refers to the point in a person's life when they reach adulthood or become mature and responsible.
The idiom "come into the world" means to be born or to enter life. It is used to describe the beginning of someone's existence or the moment when someone is born into this world.
The idiom "come into one's own" means to reach a stage of maturity, fulfillment, or success where one's skills, talents, or abilities are recognized and valued by others. It implies a sense of self-realization and the ability to assert oneself with confidence.
Circle Completed
The idiom "come full circle" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used to describe a situation where someone or something returns to its original or starting point, indicating completion or a full cycle.
The phrase "come full circle" is derived from the literal concept of completing a circle. This physical representation of completing a circle has been used metaphorically to describe a variety of situations and concepts, highlighting the cyclic nature of life and events.
Throughout history, the concept of circles and cycles has been deeply ingrained in human culture and thinking. Many ancient civilizations incorporated circles and cycles into their cosmological and philosophical frameworks.
The idiom "come full circle" gained popularity during the 19th century. It has been widely used in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations ever since. This idiomatic expression conveys the idea of completion or returning to a starting point.
When used figuratively, "come full circle" often implies closure, resolution, or achieving a desired outcome. It can denote the completion of a journey, a project, or even a person's life.
Furthermore, "come full circle" can also suggest a sense of irony or poetic justice. In certain situations, the full circle can imply a return to a previous state or condition, often as a result of unexpected actions or events.
One related idiom is "full circle." This phrase has a similar meaning to "come full circle" and is often used interchangeably. It conveys the idea of completing a cycle or returning to a starting point.
Another related idiom is "circle back." This phrase is often used in a figurative sense to describe the act of revisiting a previous topic, idea, or conversation. It suggests a return to a point of origin or starting point.
"swing round the circle" is another related idiom. This phrase originated in the realm of politics and was used during the Reconstruction era in the United States. It described a political campaign where a politician would travel in a circular route to various locations to deliver speeches and interact with constituents.
"back to square one" is an idiom that shares a similar meaning to "come full circle." It suggests a return to the beginning or starting point, often after a failed attempt or effort.
Finally, "come around" is another related idiom. This phrase is often used to describe a change in someone's opinion or attitude. It suggests that someone has shifted their perspective and come to see things in a different way.
In conclusion (apologies for the inclusion of this phrase), the idiom "come full circle" encapsulates the idea of completion, returning to a starting point, and the cyclic nature of life. Its origins can be traced back to ancient concepts of circles and cycles, which have been woven into human culture for centuries. Through its figurative usage, this idiom continues to be a powerful tool for expressing a range of ideas and experiences.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom come full circle can be used in a sentence:
- After years of hard work, Jane has come full circle and is now the CEO of the company she started in her garage.
- The movie begins and ends in the same location, symbolizing how the main character's journey has come full circle.
- John's decision to pursue a career in teaching after being a student himself is a perfect example of how life can come full circle.
More "Closure" idioms
