rut

describes a rut that is far below the surface

a groove in the ground made by a wheel

a groove in the ground made by wagon wheels, often historical

figurative; describes the state of being stuck in a boring routine, typically used with the verb 'to be'.

figurative; describes the action of becoming stuck in a boring routine, typically used with verbs like 'get' or 'fall'.

figurative; describes escaping a boring routine, typically used with the verb 'get'.