wheels /wiːlz/► SEE ALL(there are) wheels within wheelsput/set sth in motionoil the wheelsspin your wheels ●(there are) ˌwheels within ˈwheelsused to describe a situation which is difficult to understand because it involves complicated or secret processes and decisions错综复杂；盘根错节◆In making political agreements there are always wheels within wheels. 政治协商的过程往往错综复杂。◆There are wheels within wheels in this organization — you never really know what’s going on. 这个机构错综复杂，神秘莫测。●put/set sth in ˈmotion ( set the wheels in ˈmotion) do what is necessary to make a start on a project, plan, meeting, etc.启动；使开始◆The Government wants to put the new reforms in motion before the election.政府想在大选前启动新的改革。◆It will be many years before we see any results, but at least we know that the wheels are in motion.虽然很多年后才能见效，但是至少我们知道项目已经开始启动。NOTE This expression refers to starting a large and complicated piece of machinery.这个表达法原指启动一台复杂的大型机器。●oil the ˈwheels (BrE) (NAmEgrease the ˈwheels) help sth to happen easily and without problems, especially in business or politics（尤指在商业或政治上）进行疏通，使顺利进行◆He doesn’t worry about bureaucratic procedures because he knows just where to oil the wheels.他不担心那些官僚程序，因为他知道该打通什么关节。●spin your ˈwheelsuse your time, energy, etc. without achieving anything做无用功◆I had the feeling that the company was spinning its wheels and getting nowhere.我觉得公司在原地踏步，毫无进展。▸ˈwheel-spinning
noun
◆Save yourself some wheel-spinning and head to the library.别再浪费时间了，赶紧去图书馆吧。