hamster wheel

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A circular cage for a hamster or other small rodent, which rotates vertically as the animal runs at its base.
2. 2
   A monotonous, repetitive, unfulfilling activity, especially one in which no progress is achieved.

Verb

1. 1
   To cycle fruitlessly.
2. 2
   Alternative form of hamster wheel.