To make no progress despite making an effort; to get nowhere.
spin someone's wheels
To excite someone; to stir someone's emotions.
at pains
Making careful effort (to).
land in someone's lap
To come into somebody's possession without that person making any effo …
go round in circles
To repeatedly do the same thing without making any progress.
pull one's socks up
To start making an effort; to renew or redouble one's efforts.
starving artist
A person who works as an artist or performer despite making little or …