wash, rinse, repeat

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformalfigurative

   Used to describe a process that keeps repeating in the same order, with no real change or end.

   Grammar: Stands alone as a comment on a situation, or follows a description of a routine: We argue, then make up, and it's wash, rinse, repeat.

   Patterns

   • it's wash, rinse, repeat
   • do something, then wash, rinse, repeat

   Every Monday the same emails arrive, I answer them, and then it's wash, rinse, repeat for the rest of the week.

   Our team fixes one bug, finds another, and it's wash, rinse, repeat until launch day.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   The three steps printed on a bottle of shampoo: put it on, wash the hair, rinse the hair, then do it again.

   Grammar: Read as a list of instructions; the commas separate three separate actions in a fixed order.

   Patterns

   • wash, rinse, repeat

   The label on the back simply said wash, rinse, repeat, which is not much help for curly hair.

   Her mother told her to wash, rinse, repeat if the first wash left the hair feeling oily.

3. 3phrasefixed phrasehumorous

   Said humorously about a task that seems pointless because it never really finishes.

   Grammar: Often used alone as a whole sentence, with a comma after each verb in writing.

   Patterns

   • wash, rinse, repeat

   I cleaned the kitchen, the kids ate again, and — wash, rinse, repeat.

   Wash, rinse, repeat: that is what my whole weekend felt like.

Common combinations

it's wash, rinse, repeat

We train new staff, they leave, and it's wash, rinse, repeat.

the same wash, rinse, repeat

Meetings, deadlines, more meetings — the same wash, rinse, repeat every term.

wash, rinse, repeat cycle

The wash, rinse, repeat cycle of repairs is costing the city a fortune.

a wash, rinse, repeat routine

Getting up at five became a wash, rinse, repeat routine he could do without thinking.

and then wash, rinse, repeat

She waters the plants, checks the mail, and then wash, rinse, repeat.

Synonyms and how they differ

same old story

Also describes a situation that keeps happening, but it sounds more resigned and is used about events rather than a set of steps.

on repeat

Means something is happening again and again; it fits music and behavior better than a fixed three-step process.

vicious circle

Describes a repeating pattern that makes things worse, so it is stronger and more negative than this phrase.

Word family

wash verb

To clean something with water and usually soap.

rinse verb

To pour clean water over something to remove soap or dirt.

repeat verb

To do or say the same thing again.

Commonly confused: wash, rinse, repeat or rinse and repeat?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “wash, rinse, repeat”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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