Reinvent the wheel
verb
To waste time creating something that already exists or doing something that has already been done.
Why are we trying to reinvent the wheel? Let's use the data analysis software that's already available instead of trying to create our own.
Often appears as...
- don't reinvent the wheel
- try not to reinvent the wheel
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To waste time creating something that already exists or doing something that has already been done.
Why are we trying to reinvent the wheel? Let's use the data analysis software that's already available instead of trying to create our own.
Often appears as...
- don't reinvent the wheel
- try not to reinvent the wheel
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Duplication
Use this phrase when suggesting to use existing solutions instead of creating new, identical ones.
Let's not reinvent the wheel; the accounting system we have is efficient enough.
Pro Tip 2/3Suggesting Efficiency
The phrase implies that time or resources should not be wasted on solving a problem that's already been addressed.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, we should improve upon the work our predecessors did.
Pro Tip 3/3Express Frustration
It may express annoyance at someone's attempt to do unnecessary work.
He's reinventing the wheel by rewriting the report from scratch.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Duplication
Use this phrase when suggesting to use existing solutions instead of creating new, identical ones.
Let's not reinvent the wheel; the accounting system we have is efficient enough.
Pro Tip 2/3Suggesting Efficiency
The phrase implies that time or resources should not be wasted on solving a problem that's already been addressed.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, we should improve upon the work our predecessors did.
Pro Tip 3/3Express Frustration
It may express annoyance at someone's attempt to do unnecessary work.
He's reinventing the wheel by rewriting the report from scratch.
Pro Tip 1/3Avoid Duplication
Use this phrase when suggesting to use existing solutions instead of creating new, identical ones.
Let's not reinvent the wheel; the accounting system we have is efficient enough.
Pro Tip 2/3Suggesting Efficiency
The phrase implies that time or resources should not be wasted on solving a problem that's already been addressed.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, we should improve upon the work our predecessors did.
Pro Tip 3/3Express Frustration
It may express annoyance at someone's attempt to do unnecessary work.
He's reinventing the wheel by rewriting the report from scratch.
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