Yo-yo

A yo-yo is a toy consisting of an axle connected to two discs, and a length of string looped around the axle. It is held in the hand, and the string is wound around the axle. By moving the hand up and down, the yo-yo alternately descends and ascends on the string, demonstrating the principles of rotational inertia and gravity. More modern yo-yos utilize various ball-bearing and clutch systems for advanced tricks. The yo-yo can also be used metaphorically to describe something characterized by unpredictable ups and downs or inconsistent performance. The object's history dates back to ancient times with different iterations worldwide before reaching the United States by way of the Philippines. Its popularity has waxed and waned.

Yo-yo meaning with examples

• Little Timmy spent all afternoon learning yo-yo tricks, practicing loops and 'walk the dog' with his new toy. He even practiced the sleeper so that he would be better. He got better every day after spending the day playing.
• The stock market showed a definite yo-yo pattern throughout the year, with prices fluctuating wildly due to economic uncertainty. It was a wild year for investors and an even wilder year for the market.
• Her mood was a yo-yo, swinging from joy to sadness without warning, making it difficult to predict her reaction. Everyone could predict when she would get upset, but could not guess when she would be happy.
• The company's sales figures have been a yo-yo, one month strong, the next month weak, causing management to make drastic shifts in marketing strategy. It was one of the most troubling times in the business's history.
• The politician's public opinion polls have been a yo-yo, fluctuating in response to media coverage and policy announcements. It would cause him to make many irrational decisions.