noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
going around in circles; getting nowhere
Figurative use for discussions, arguments, or thoughts that keep repeating without progress. Often used with する to mean 'to go around in circles'.
会議は堂々巡りで、何も決まらなかった。
The meeting went around in circles and nothing was decided.
同じことを考えて堂々
I'm going around in circles thinking about the same thing.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
circling a temple; circumambulation
Literal meaning of walking around a temple or sacred site, often as a religious practice. Less common in modern everyday language.
お遍路さんはお寺を堂々巡りしながらお経を唱える。
Pilgrims chant sutras while circling the temple.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
roll-call vote
Specialized political term for a voting method where members are called one by one. Rare outside parliamentary contexts.
その法案は堂々巡りによる採決で可決された。
The bill was passed by a roll-call vote.