Flogging a dead horse is an idiom that means a particular effort is a waste of time as there will be no outcome, such as in the example of flogging a dead horse, which will not cause it to do any useful work.

Does beating a dead horse mean?

1 : to keep talking about a subject that has already been discussed or decided I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but I still don't understand what happened. 2 : to waste time and effort trying to do something that is impossible Is it just beating a dead horse to ask for another recount of the votes?

What is the figurative meaning of beating a dead horse?

To beat a dead horse or to flog a dead horse means to belabor a point, to continue in a particular action that is a waste of time or has no chance of being successful. ... To beat a dead horse or to flog a dead horse may also mean to want to continue a pointless discussion.

What do these idioms beating a dead horse bite the bullet mean?

US informal (UK informal flog a dead horse) to waste effort on something when there is no chance of succeeding: He keeps trying to get it published but I think he's beating a dead horse.

What does met his Waterloo mean?

: to be defeated The governor finally met his Waterloo in the last election.

Beating a dead horse

40 related questions found

What is the meaning of a fish out of water?

A person away from his or her usual environment or activities. For example, Using a computer for the first time, Carl felt like a fish out of water, or On a hiking trail, Nell was a fish out of water. This expression alludes to the fact that fish cannot survive for long on dry land. [

What does being a dead horse mean?

: an exhausted or profitless topic or issue —usually used in the phrases beat a dead horse and flog a dead horse.

What does cut mustard mean?

To cut the mustard is “to reach or surpass the desired standard or performance” or more generally “to succeed, to have the ability to do something.” For instance, Beyoncé really cut the mustard in her new song.

Where does the saying Close but no cigar?

The phrase is originated in the United States, likely during the 20th century or earlier. It alludes to the practice of stalls at fairgrounds and carnivals giving out cigars as prizes. This phrase would be used for those who were close to winning a prize, but failed to do so.

Is beating a dead horse cliche?

Flogging a dead horse (alternatively beating a dead horse; or beating a dead dog in some parts of the Anglophone world) is an idiom that means a particular effort is a waste of time as there will be no outcome, such as in the example of flogging a dead horse, which will not cause it to do any useful work.

What is a flog?

The word flog is a derogatory term to describe a person considered to be. pretentious, conceited or foolish, and evidence suggests it is Australian.

What are you doing with your time if you are beating a dead horse?

Beating a Dead Horse Meaning

Definition: Wasting time by trying to accomplish something that is already finished. This expression is typically used when people keep trying to solve a problem, usually through a discussion or an argument, that has already been solved.

How do you drag a dead horse?

Secure the tow rope or drag chain to the front loader or pick-up and slowly drag the carcass from the stall. Once the carcass has been removed from the stall, the carcass may be lifted with the forks of the skid steer or tractor and moved.

What do you do with a dead horse?

You can arrange the disposal of your dead horse through your veterinarian after they've determined the cause. The most common way to dispose of a horses' body is to bury it, bring it to a landfill, or have it cremated. Horses are an integral part of many people's families and are trusted companions.

When should you stop beating a dead horse?

To beat a dead horse means to bring up a previously settled issue. Any further discussion on it might be seen as pointless because the issue was already talked about before. Example: Like I said last week, our trip to Vancouver is on hold until next year, so stop beating a dead horse and asking me about it.

Why is it called Dressed to the nines?

One says that the phrase comes from the nine yards of material a tailor needed to make a really nice suit. ... Another origin story says that the phrase refers to the 99th (Lanarkshire) Regiment of Foot, a British army regiment established in 1824, reportedly known for the immaculate condition of their uniforms.

What does I won't touch him with a bargepole mean?

phrase. If you say that you wouldn't touch something with a barge pole, you mean that you would not want to have anything to do with it, either because you do not trust it, or because you do not like it. [British, informal]regional note: in AM, use wouldn't touch something with a ten-foot pole.

What does it mean to have a chip on your shoulder?

: to have an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he didn't get the promotion he was expecting.

What does beating around the bush mean?

to avoid giving a definite answer or position. Please stop beating around the bush and tell me the full story.

Can't cut the mustard meaning?

(also can't cut the mustard) to not be able to deal with problems or difficulties in a satisfactory way: If he can't cut it, then we'll get someone else to do the job.

What does a chip of the old block mean?

An expression used of people who closely resemble their parents in some way: “Mark just won the same sailboat race his father won twenty years ago; he's a chip off the old block.”

What does I have a lump in my throat mean?

Definition of a lump in one's throat

: a tight feeling in the throat that a person gets when about to start crying or when trying not to cry The movie's final scene left me with a lump in my throat.

Did not cut ice?

COMMON If you say that something cuts no ice with you, you mean that you are not impressed or influenced by it. Statistics cut no ice with anyone scared of going up in the air in a plane. Note: Words such as little, much, or any can be used instead of no.

Was at his wits end?

Completely puzzled and perplexed, not knowing what to do. For example, I've tried every possible source without success, and now I'm at my wit's end. This idiom, which uses wit in the sense of “mental faculties,” appeared in Piers Ploughman (c. 1377).