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Flogging a dead horse (or beating a dead horse in American English) is an idiom meaning that a particular effort is futile. Early usage. The expression is said to have been popularized by the English politician and orator John Bright.
There are several synonyms for the idiom “flog a dead horse,” including: Beating a dead horse; Pursuing a lost cause; Wasting one’s time; Flogging a dying donkey; Banging one’s head against a wall; Antonyms. The opposite of “flogging a dead horse” would be to: Move on to something more productive or achievable
When someone is ‘flogging a dead horse,’ they are persisting in a task or endeavor that has little to no chance of success. The imagery of beating a dead horse emphasizes the fruitlessness and waste of energy involved in such efforts.
“Flog a dead horse” epitomizes the futile act of persisting in an endeavour that has already failed. It captures the essence of wasting time, energy, and resources on something that cannot be revived or salvaged. This idiom serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of recognizing when to let go and move on.
To flog a dead horse is to attempt to revive an interest which has died out; to engage in fruitless effort. What's the origin of the phrase 'Flogging a dead horse'?
Meaning. To attempt to make progress with something that has no future. Examples.
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It's certainly valid to say "flogging a dead horse" to mean "selling a dead horse", but "flogging a dead horse" is an idiom meaning you're doing something pointless: whipping a dead horse won't make it move any faster.
