What does “Preaching to the choir” mean?
"Preaching to the choir" means attempting to persuade someone who already holds the same opinion or belief as you.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I don't need to explain the benefits of exercise to you, I'm preaching to the choir.
Example
I know you're already a vegetarian, so I won't waste time preaching to the choir about the ethical reasons to avoid meat.
Example
As a fellow environmentalist, I'm sure you understand the importance of recycling. I'm not preaching to the choir here
Is “Preaching to the choir” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Preaching to the choir” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Preaching to the choir” effectively in context?
You can use "Preaching to the Choir" when you want to express that you are trying to convince someone who already agrees with you. It implies that your efforts are unnecessary because the person you are speaking to already supports your viewpoint. For example, if you are discussing the benefits of exercise with a friend who is already a fitness enthusiast, you might say, 'I don't need to explain the benefits of exercise to you, I'm preaching to the choir.'
- 1Persuasion
I know you're already a vegetarian, so I won't waste time preaching to the choir about the ethical reasons to avoid meat.
- 2Shared Beliefs
As a fellow environmentalist, I'm sure you understand the importance of recycling. I'm not preaching to the choir here.
- 3Agreement
We both know the importance of education, so I won't spend time preaching to the choir about its benefits.
Similar phrases to “Preaching to the choir”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Preaching to the choir” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Preaching to the Choir" is unknown.
Is “Preaching to the choir” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Preaching to the Choir" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to acknowledge that they are stating the obvious or trying to convince someone who already agrees with them.
What tone does “Preaching to the choir” have?
"Preaching to the Choir" conveys a tone of recognition and sometimes mild frustration. It suggests that the speaker is aware that their efforts may be redundant or unnecessary.
Can “Preaching to the choir” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Preaching to the Choir" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of trying to convince someone who already agrees with you. You can use it in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I don't need to explain the benefits of exercise to you, I'm preaching to the choir.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Preaching to the choir!' to imply that the speaker recognizes the agreement of the listener.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- talking to a brick wall
- flogging a dead horse
- wasting breath
- spinning one's wheels
- repeating oneself
Antonyms
- convincing the skeptics
- changing minds
- winning over new supporters
- swaying opinions
