wheel
- noun
- /wiːl/
- The government had fallen asleep at the wheel, and the case was spinning out of control.
- greasing the wheels
- wheels turning
- a cog in the wheel
Lots of wheels within wheels within wheels.
- Lots of wheels within wheels within wheels.
- And spend more time with your consciousness at the wheel than your human animal.
Examples
-
Nevertheless, once someone has raised the alarm, the wheels are set in motion and people comply.
Academic text (1995) -
The new CEO is the driving wheel behind the company's successful transformation.
-
The long, slow driving wheel of capital is needed for all.
-
If these lessons are applied, the wheel does not have to be reinvented.
Academic text (1993) -
Plus, needless recreation of the wheel can end up calling too much attention to itself and being silly.
Academic text (2011) -
Now, with the Bush administration focused on the war on terrorism, APEC's wheels have come off.
Academic text (2008) -
The foundation provides the necessary wheel for innovative projects in our community.
-
The board of directors acts as the main wheel that guides the organization towards its goals.
Synonyms
An important person who has a lot of power in a group
Idioms
- Informal
To spend time making something that already exists instead of using it
- Informal
An action much stronger than needed against something small and harmless
- Informal
To work hard and continue when things are difficult
- Informal
To begin working very hard and not give up on a difficult task
Compounds
- Specialized
A system that powers all four wheels for better grip on rough or slippery ground
A round spinning wheel with numbered slots used for bets in the game of roulette
- Specialized
A small wheel in a watch or clock that swings against a thin spring to keep accurate time
- Archaic
A large round device with boards around its edge that turns to move a boat
- Specialized
A round wheel of rough material that you use to sharpen or shape metal
- Specialized
A small circle on the screen that spins to show the computer is busy
- Specialized
A wheel on a vehicle that gets power from the engine and moves the vehicle
- Specialized
A wheel with teeth in a mechanical clock or watch that controls how the gears move
- Specialized
A round wheel with teeth that fits together with another wheel to move parts or change speed
- Specialized
A round wheel with teeth that fits another to change speed or direction
- Specialized
A wheel that presses on a belt to guide and keep it tight without powering the belt
- Specialized
A thin wheel with teeth that a chain fits on to turn parts like on a bicycle
- Specialized
A wheel with straight teeth that fit another wheel to send power between parallel shafts
- Specialized
A large North American insect with a wheel-shaped crest that eats other insects
- Specialized
A simple machine with a round part turning around a bar to lift things
- Australian
An eastern Australian tree with shiny leaves and round clusters of bright red or orange flowers that gives shade
- Specialized
A gear that fits with a screw-shaped gear to turn movement at a right angle
How Influential
Surface Forms
Etymology
Wheel was first the name of something that 'turns', and we use that image for what drives a group — a 'wheel' is a person or force that sets plans in motion.