flɑɡ ə ded hɔrs
Animals
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- To whip a horse that has died
What does "flog a dead horse" mean?
- To waste effort on something that is already finished or settled
- To continue an argument that has already been resolved
Examples
- The decision is made—you're flogging a dead horse.
- Stop flogging a dead horse and move on.
- Revisiting that argument is just flogging a dead horse.
Origin
From the mid-19th century. British version of 'beat a dead horse.' A dead horse won't move regardless of effort, making the flogging pointless.
How to use it
British English; Americans prefer 'beat a dead horse.' Both mean continuing futile efforts.
Similar expressions
beat a dead horse
waste of time
pointless effort
Opposites
productive effort
worthwhile pursuit
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "flog a dead horse" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.