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circle in

B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To go around something in circles that get smaller and smaller, getting closer to the middle

Literal meaning: To circle (move in a circular pattern) while moving inward

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

Of aircraft or birds: to fly in decreasing circles while descending or approaching a target

"The vultures began circling in over the carcass as it lay in the open desert."

2 C1 idiomatic neutral

To gradually narrow a discussion, investigation, or approach toward a specific point

"The detective's questions kept circling in on the suspect's whereabouts on that night."

Usage notes

Relatively uncommon as a set phrasal verb. Used literally in contexts like aircraft circling in to land, or animals circling in on prey. Also used figuratively to describe a conversation or investigation gradually narrowing towards its subject. Less standardised than 'circle back'.

Commonly used with

aircraft birds prey target landing spiral

Forms

Base
circle in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
circles in
he/she/it
Past simple
circled in
yesterday
Past participle
circled in
have + pp
-ing form
circling in
continuous

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