Words / C1

SPYR-uh-l/ˈspaɪrəl/

To spiral is to rise or fall continuously, usually faster and faster: costs spiral, spiral out of control. Rise and fall are everyday; escalate is a cousin for conflict or cost; a spiral (noun) is the shape or the process. Do not write off repeated unstaffed sittings as one-offs while the bill climbs.

Meaning

To rise or fall continuously, usually with increasing speed.

Examples

• “Costs spiralled after the unstaffed sittings were written off as “one-offs”.”
• “Rise is everyday. Escalate is a close cousin. A vicious circle is related. A spiral staircase is physical. One-off is a claim that needs a date and a last time. Repeat the sitting without cover and the curve is the story.”

Good to know

Keep rising or falling faster. Everyday: rise / fall. Close: escalate. Noun: a spiral. Repeated gaps are not one-offs.

Near in meaning

escalate

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