beating a dead horse
Meaning
Continuing to pursue or argue a point that is settled or hopeless; wasting effort on something futile.
Origin
Metaphor from the futility of flogging a horse that is already dead. The phrase (often as "flogging a dead horse") was attested in 19th-century Britain and used in political and journalistic contexts.
Notes
Informal, slightly blunt and negative; implies futility. Used in casual or argumentative contexts; avoid in very formal settings.
Examples
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Bringing up his mistakes again is just beating a dead horse.
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We've argued this to deathβstop beating a dead horse.
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I know you want them to change their minds, but you're beating a dead horse.
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Continuing negotiations after they've refused is like beating a dead horse.
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Don't waste time on details they've already rejected; it's beating a dead horse.
Grammar & Usage Notes
A fixed idiom; often used in progressive/imperative forms: "stop beating a dead horse," "you're beating a dead horse." Variant: "flogging a dead horse" (British). Can be used as gerund or verb phrase.
Synonyms
- fighting a losing battle
- wasting one's breath
- tilting at windmills
- pissing in the wind
Antonyms
- productive effort
- worthwhile pursuit
- fruitful endeavor