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in a rut

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*in a rut

Fig. in a type of boring habitual behavior. (As when the wheels of a buggy travel in the ruts worn into the ground by other buggies making it easiest to go exactly the way all the other buggies have gone before. *Typically: be ~; get ~.) My life has gotten into a rut. I try not to get into a rut.

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(stuck) in a rut

Fig. kept in an established way of living or working that never changes. David felt like he was stuck in a rut, so he went back to school. Anne was tired of being in a rut, so she moved to Los Angeles.

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in a rut

In a settled or established habit or course of action, especially a boring one. For example, We go to the seashore every summer-we're in a rut, or After ten years at the same job she says she's in a rut. This expression alludes to having a wheel stuck in a groove in the road. [Early 1800s]

See also: rut