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
Loading YouTube…
Watch on YouTubeLots 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 wheel on a vehicle that gets power from the engine and moves the vehicle
- Archaic
A large round device with boards around its edge that turns to move a boat
- Specialized
A small wheel in a watch or clock that swings against a thin spring to keep accurate time
- Specialized
A round wheel of rough material that you use to sharpen or shape metal
- Specialized
A round wheel with teeth that fits together with another wheel to move parts or change speed
- Specialized
A small circle on the screen that spins to show the computer is busy
- Specialized
A simple machine with a round part turning around a bar to lift things
- Specialized
A thin wheel with teeth that a chain fits on to turn parts like on a bicycle
- Specialized
A round wheel with teeth that fits another to change speed or direction
- Specialized
A wheel with teeth in a mechanical clock or watch that controls how the gears move
- Specialized
A wheel that presses on a belt to guide and keep it tight without powering the belt
- Specialized
A large North American insect with a wheel-shaped crest that eats other insects
- Specialized
A gear that fits with a screw-shaped gear to turn movement at a right angle
- Specialized
A wheel with straight teeth that fit another wheel to send power between parallel shafts
- Australian
An eastern Australian tree with shiny leaves and round clusters of bright red or orange flowers that gives shade
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.