Harp on

Meaning

The idiom "harp on" means to focus too much on or emphasize something, often to the point of repetition. It can also imply that someone is unwilling to let go of a particular topic or idea, even if it has been discussed at length.

Usage

• During the meeting, John couldn't help but harp on the importance of following the company's policies.
• Sarah always harps on her favorite hobby, painting.
• The news anchor kept harping on the same story, making it seem like the only thing that mattered.
• Our boss tends to harp on the importance of meeting deadlines, even though we're already doing our best.
• I wish my sister would stop harping on her weight and just focus on being healthy.

Roots and History

The origin of "harp on" is unclear, but it may have come from the idea of someone playing a harp to excess or repeating a particular note over and over again. The idiom was first recorded in 1798 by Samuel Johnson in his dictionary, where he described it as meaning "to do or say something so often that it becomes familiar."

Synonyms in English

• "Focus on"
• "Emphasize"
• "Repeat"
• "Insist on"
• "Harp on"

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "Repetir" (to repeat)
• French: "Répéter" (to repeat)
• Italian: "Ripetere" (to repeat)
• German: "Wiederholen" (to repeat)
• Portuguese: "Repetir" (to repeat)

Similar Idioms

• hard and fast

• have a cow

• hear on the grapevine