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Region: General | Usage example: Your apprenticeship brought you full circle back to mentoring.

Full circle

Meaning

Return to a previous state.

Usage

Used when developments echo earlier situations.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Journey imagery describing returning to starting point.

Used since the 18th century in travel writing.

Related Idioms

Circle back

Return to something later.

Full of hot air

Talkative without substance.

Glass half full

Having an optimistic outlook.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.