“Circling the drain” is a metaphor for something or someone in inevitable decline, inspired by the behavior of liquid as it approaches a drain. It can refer to anything from broken relationships to international economics. The direction of a drain’s spiral vortex is not determined by the rotation of the Earth. Other similar phrases include “spiral down” and “nose dive.”
“Circle the drain” is an English expression that suggests that something or someone is in inevitable decline. It is inspired by the behavior of liquid as it approaches a drain, particularly in a tub, shower or sink. This common physical phenomenon has been used to describe situations ranging from international economics to broken relationships. Phrases similar to “circling the drain” include “spiral down” and “nose dive.” All convey a sense of fatalism and the idea that recovery is unlikely at the best of times.
Water and any liquid of similar consistency tend to form a spiral vortex as they drain into a circular tube. Anything floating on the surface of the liquid will also surround the drain if it is small and flexible enough. This common phenomenon is easily observed on a daily basis; most people encounter it at an early age. Contrary to popular belief, the direction of a drain’s spiral vortex is not determined by the hemispheres or the rotation of the Earth. The rotation of the Earth determines the direction of hurricanes and spiraling storms, but has little or no influence over an area the size of a drainpipe.
Since water is commonly drained after the bathing process, the phrase “surrounding the drain” has come to mean the final or declining time interval in the existence of the thing described. This is a metaphor, a figure of speech that uses comparison for color or emphasis. It can refer to a person, an institution, or even a business, such as “His career is really hanging in the balance.” This is different from the so-called “slippery slope,” which means that an action will have a long-term, unintended, catastrophic outcome. In modern usage, “slippery slope” is usually understood as a warning, implying that a U-turn is still possible.
Influential comic book writer Alan Moore likes to use the phrase to describe the political or economic milieu. In a 2009 interview, for example, he said, “The world economy seems to be bypassing the drain… we may have to start thinking about managing our culture differently.” The following year, pop star Katy Perry released a song called “Circle the Drain” on her album Teenage Dream. Perry used the phrase to describe a disintegrating relationship.
The sense of an unstoppable decline is also conveyed by two other expressions, “descending spiral” and “nose dive”. The “downward spiral” is often used to describe celebrities and others with substance abuse or addiction problems. These problems can lead to a slow but devastating decline in physical and mental health. The term “nose dive” is older and refers to an aircraft losing altitude with its nose pointing down, a familiar image from the air battles of the world wars. As with descending spirals and rimmed discharges, recovery from a nose dive may be possible, but only with drastic action.
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