English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Beat a dead horse
Meaning
The idiom "beat a dead horse" means to repeatedly bring up or discuss something that has already been exhausted, discussed, or resolved. It suggests repeating an action that is not productive or useful. The phrase implies that the topic has been beaten like a dead horse and there is nothing more to be said about it.
Usage
- "I know we've talked about this before, but I just can't seem to get my point across. It's like beating a dead horse."
- "I can't stand listening to the same old arguments about gun control. We're beating a dead horse here."
- "Let's not beat the same old horse over and over again. There are new issues that need our attention."
- "I don't understand why we keep bringing up the past. We've already beaten that dead horse to death."
- "We've discussed this topic so many times, it's like beating a dead horse in circles."
Roots and History
The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of beating a dead animal to get all the fat out of its carcass. Another theory is that it refers to the military practice of repeatedly attacking a fortified position until it falls. Regardless of where the phrase came from, it has been in common use since at least the early 20th century and continues to be used today.
Synonyms in English
- "Beating a dead horse" synonyms in English include "beating a dead horse", "rehashing old ground", "treading old ground", "revisiting old issues".
Synonyms in other languages
- In Spanish, the phrase "cabezar el cielo con una pato" (to beat one's head against a wall) means to repeatedly bring up or discuss something that has already been exhausted.
- In French, the phrase "lire la même page" (to read the same page) means to repeatedly bring up or discuss something that has already been exhausted, discussed, or resolved.
- In German, the phrase "die alten Schranken brechen" (to break old walls) means to tackle new issues instead of rehashing old ground.