So right you really are, AnnaStrophic. I can't explain it; I just know what it means.
Maybe it's Edgar Poe's fault...

Like a circle that ever returneth to the self-same spot,
And more of madness, and horror, the soul of the plot.


But wait! We have here a classic example of a meme in action. First comes nuance then comes meaning.

Be kind to idioms. Idioms are people too.