* Literal: The car got stuck in a rut in the muddy road.
* Figurative (routine): He felt like he was stuck in a rut, doing the same thing every day.
* Figurative (mental state): After the breakup, she fell into a deep rut and lost all motivation.
* Figurative (creative): The writer needed to break out of his creative rut and try something new.
* Figurative (relationship): Their relationship had fallen into a rut, lacking excitement and spontaneity.