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."
circle in
B2 neutral intransitive
To move in circles while gradually narrowing toward a central point or target
In plain English
To go around something in circles that get smaller and smaller, getting closer to the middle
What does "circle in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To circle (move in a circular pattern) while moving inward
Actually means
To go around something in circles that get smaller and smaller, getting closer to the middle
Usage tip
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'.
Words that pair with "circle in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
aircraft birds prey target landing spiral
How to conjugate "circle in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "circle in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "circle in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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