Few poor countries can afford to look after their works of art properly, but neglect is unwise if you want to attract tourists. Thailand is attempting to square the circle.
New idioms dictionary. 2014.
square the circle — british informal phrase to do something that is very difficult or impossible How does the prime minister square that circle? Thesaurus: to successfully deal with a problem or difficultysynonym Main entry: square * * * construct a square equal … Useful english dictionary
square the circle — ► to solve a very difficult situation or problem: »He will have to square the circle of how to sell at current prices while cutting the cost of production to make a profit. Main Entry: ↑square … Financial and business terms
square the circle — ► square the circle 1) construct a square equal in area to a given circle (a problem incapable of a purely geometrical solution). 2) do something considered to be impossible. Main Entry: ↑square … English terms dictionary
square the circle — When someone is squaring the circle, they are trying to do something impossible … The small dictionary of idiomes
square the circle — British informal to do something that is very difficult or impossible How does the prime minister square that circle? … English dictionary
To square the circle — Circle Cir cle (s[ e]r k l), n. [OE. cercle, F. cercle, fr. L. circulus (Whence also AS. circul), dim. of circus circle, akin to Gr. kri kos, ki rkos, circle, ring. Cf. {Circus}, {Circum }.] [1913 Webster] 1. A plane figure, bounded by a single… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
To square the circle — Square Square, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Squared} (skw[^a]rd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Squaring}.] [Cf. OF. escarrer, esquarrer. See {Square}, n.] 1. To form with four equal sides and four right angles. Spenser. [1913 Webster] 2. To form with right angles… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
square the circle — 1》 construct a square equal in area to a given circle (a problem incapable of a purely geometrical solution). 2》 do something considered to be impossible. → square … English new terms dictionary
square the circle — verb a) To construct a square with the same area as a given circle by using only a finite number of steps with compass and straightedge. b) To solve a famously difficult or impossible problem … Wiktionary
square the circle — make a circle into a square, try to do the impossible … English contemporary dictionary
