Flog a dead horse

usgb
verb phrase

To continue making efforts but the outcome will not change.

Trying to convince him is like flogging a dead horse, he has made up his mind.
Visual representation of "flog a dead horse" - To continue making efforts but the outcome will not change.

Often appears as...

  • like flogging a dead horse
  • stop flogging a dead horse

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "flog a dead horse"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Wasted Effort

The phrase implies that any effort put into the task is wasted and pointless.

Illustration for Wasted Effort
He's still fixing that old car, but it's like flogging a dead horse.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Futile Argument

Often used to suggest that arguing or persuading is useless because the decision is already made.

Illustration for Futile Argument
Don't bother arguing with her about the trip; it's flogging a dead horse.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Move On

Suggests that it's time to stop an action and proceed to something else more productive.

Illustration for Move On
Stop revising the proposal, it's just flogging a dead horse now.
Visual representation of the word "Flog a dead horse"

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