beat a dead horse
Meaning
To keep discussing or trying to achieve something that is already settled, finished, or hopeless, wasting time and effort.
Origin
Recorded from the mid-1800s. The image is that whipping a dead horse won’t make it move, so continuing is pointless—used for futile arguments or efforts.
Notes
Mildly negative; implies the effort is pointless and should stop. Used in debates, meetings, or personal situations; can sound dismissive, so soften if needed.
Examples
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We’ve already agreed on the plan, so there’s no need to beat a dead horse in today’s meeting.
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Stop beating a dead horse—apologizing again won’t change what happened.
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The committee kept beating a dead horse by reopening a debate that had been settled months ago.
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I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but we still haven’t addressed the budget shortfall.
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After three reminders, calling him again would just be beating a dead horse.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a verb phrase: “stop beating a dead horse,” “we’re beating a dead horse.” Verb inflects (beat/beating/beats). The object/article are fixed: “a dead horse.”
Synonyms
- flog a dead horse
- harp on
- belabor the point
- labour the point
- rehash
Antonyms
- break new ground
- move on
- let it go