空から回まわり

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

racing; idling; spinning without traction

Mechanical sense: an engine revving without load, or wheels spinning without gripping the surface.

• 雪ゆき道みちでタイヤが空から回まわりして進すすめなかった。

  The tires spun on the snowy road and we couldn't move forward.

• クラッチが滑すべってエンジンが空から回まわりしている。

  The clutch is slipping and the engine is racing.

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

going in circles; fruitless; getting nowhere

Figurative use: discussions, efforts, or thoughts that are unproductive or repetitive without reaching a conclusion.

• 会かい議ぎは空から回まわりして、何なにも決きまらなかった。

  The meeting went around in circles and nothing was decided.

• 焦あせるほど考かんがえが空から回まわりしてしまう。

  The more I panic, the more my thoughts just spin fruitlessly.