1. Expression：in a circle

Usage：也可以说为：in circles。

Explanation：without making progress. （兜圈子，毫无进展地）

Example：We've argued this point for nearly two hours and we're just going round in circles.

我们为这一点辩论了近两个小时，仍毫无进展。

2. Expression：in a nut shell

Explanation：In summary; concisely. （概括地说，简洁地说，说话不拖泥带水地）

Example：I don't want the long version—just tell me what your thesis is in a nutshell.

我不想听长篇大论，就简要告诉我你的论文大意就行了。

He had a great deal to make him a popular and successful figure in a nut shell.

简而言之，他有好些优点都足以成为一个受人欢迎的得意人物。

In a nut shell, what happened at work today?

简明而要地说说今天上班发生什么事情？

A: Mum, what do you think about my speech today?

妈妈，你觉得我今天的演讲怎么？

B: It’s wonderful. But next time, if you can do it in a nut shell, things will be even better.

演讲得非常好，但是如果你下次演讲的时候能够简洁一些就更好了。

A: Yes, mum. I will try.

好的，妈妈，我会努力的。

3. Expression：in a rut

Explanation：In a type of boring habitual behavior. （单调乏味的，毫无创意的行为；墨守成规，循规蹈矩的生活，千篇一律地，一成不变地）

Example：I had so many ambitions when I first graduated from college, but now I feel like I'm in a rut.

当我刚从大学毕业的时候，我有很多的理想，但是现在我觉得我的生活太枯燥乏味了。

We're stuck in a rut—let's move abroad for the summer and shake things up!

我们陷入太墨守成规的生活——我们搬到国外过夏天去彻底改变一下吧!

Anne was tired of being in a rut, so she moved to Los Angeles.

因为安妮厌倦了一成不变的生活，所以她搬到了洛杉矶。

A: Jane, you need to try something new for you has been in a rut for so long time.

Jane，你需要尝试一些新鲜事物了，因为长久以来你都过着循规蹈矩的生活。

B: You are right. I am really fed with my cunrrent life style.

你说得对。我真的厌倦了我现在的生活方式。