The term "circling the drain" is a self-explanatory one, given the image of something floating upon water in a sink whose plug has been pulled; the whirlpool effect moves the object(s)in an ever quickening, even tightening circle until the final result becomes inevitable. The reference is to a situation or series of events whose conclusion has become obvious, although not yet resolved. In one medical context, it can refer to a patient who is on a slow and apparently irreversible downward spiral towards death, but is a long way from finally dying. The phrase is often abbreviated (especially when used on the radio) to CTD. However, the term can be used to describe someone who is "circling the drain" as having refused to give up and having a strong will to live, yet remains in some peril. The negative connotations are primarily directed at those who have to attend to the patient, because they may develop excessive attachment, or have families who have falsely raised expectations about eventual recovery.

In business, the term refers to projects that are clearly not going to reach completion, but which have not yet been canceled, or to companies that are engaging in self-destructive behavior to stave off insolvency.

The phrase is now used in a broader context to apply to a person, institution or era which is clearly unable to reverse a long downward decline. It is used in business to describe business practices that stave off short term cash flow problems but lead to customer alienation. In gambling, particularly poker, the term describes a period where a person is on a long losing streak, or is affected by bad playing habits.

See also

Jump the shark

Zombie

Death march