What does “To flog a dead horse.” mean?
"To flog a dead horse" means to waste time or effort on something that is no longer relevant or productive, often used to describe a situation where someone is pursuing a lost cause or is trying to revive a project or idea that has already failed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I don't understand why they keep discussing this issue. To flog a dead horse. It's clear that nothing will change.
Example
They keep trying to fix the old computer, but to flog a dead horse. It's time to invest in a new one.
Example
I appreciate your enthusiasm, but to flog a dead horse. We should focus on more promising opportunities
Is “To flog a dead horse.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To flog a dead horse.” 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 “To flog a dead horse.” effectively in context?
You can use "To flog a dead horse" to describe a situation where someone is wasting time or effort on something that is no longer relevant or productive. It emphasizes the futility of continuing to pursue a lost cause or trying to revive a project or idea that has already failed. For example, if a colleague keeps bringing up an issue that has already been resolved, you might say, 'Let's move on, it's like flogging a dead horse.'
- 1Problem-solving
They keep trying to fix the old computer, but to flog a dead horse. It's time to invest in a new one.
- 2Decision-making
I appreciate your enthusiasm, but to flog a dead horse. We should focus on more promising opportunities.
- 3Discussion
I don't understand why they keep discussing this issue. To flog a dead horse. It's clear that nothing will change.
Similar phrases to “To flog a dead horse.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To flog a dead horse.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To flog a dead horse" is unknown.
Is “To flog a dead horse.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "To flog a dead horse" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the futility of continuing to invest time or effort into something that is no longer productive or relevant.
What tone does “To flog a dead horse.” have?
"To flog a dead horse" conveys a tone of frustration and resignation. It's often used to express exasperation with someone who is persistently pursuing a lost cause or refusing to accept that a project or idea has failed.
Can “To flog a dead horse.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "To flog a dead horse" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of wasting time or effort on something that is no longer productive. You can use it in everyday 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's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They keep discussing this issue, but it's like "flogging a dead horse".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "flog a dead horse"!' to imply the futility of continuing a particular course of action.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- waste one's breath
- beat a dead horse
- pursue a lost cause
- throw good money after bad
- chase one's tail
Antonyms
- focus on what matters
- invest time wisely
- move forward
- find a productive solution
- explore new opportunities
