Spinning your wheels

Meaning

Making effort without progress.

Usage

Used when work seems futile or stuck.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Driving cars spin wheels without traction when stuck.

Auto-based idioms came into use with the rise of automobiles.