General
circling the drain
What does circling the drain mean?
Describes a patient whose condition is steadily worsening and who is expected to die despite intervention. Abbreviated CTD.
"He's been circling the drain all night; the family's on their way in."
Origin
Imagery of water spiralling down a plughole; long-standing medical slang.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'circling the drain' mean in medicine?
It describes a patient who is steadily deteriorating and expected to die despite treatment, like water spiralling down a plughole.
What does CTD stand for?
CTD is the abbreviation for 'circling the drain.'
Is 'circling the drain' only used in hospitals?
It started as medical slang but is now also used more broadly to mean any situation or project heading for failure.
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