Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
* Running around: This part emphasizes the frantic and busy nature of the activity.
* Circles: This part implies that the actions are unproductive and lead nowhere, like running around a track without reaching the finish line.
Example:
* "I've been running around in circles trying to find a new apartment, but nothing seems to fit my budget."
Similar idioms:
* Going nowhere
* Getting nowhere
* Spinning your wheels
* Chasing your tail
Overall, "running around in circles" describes a situation where someone is expending a lot of effort but not getting closer to their goal.