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Region: General | Usage example: Politics is often wheels within wheels, with hidden agendas.

Wheels within wheels

Meaning

A complex and secretive situation.

Usage

Used when describing intricate scheming.

Origin & History

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

Biblical imagery in Ezekiel referring to layered wheels.

The biblical phrase filtered into diplomacy and conspiracy talk.

Related Idioms

Grease the wheels

Make a process run more smoothly.

Spinning your wheels

Making effort without progress.

Set the wheels in motion

Start a sequence of events.

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.