[Idiom] FLOG A DEAD HORSE. - Discover How to Express Futile Efforts
Flog a dead horse.
/flɒɡ ə dɛd hɔːrs/
To continue a particular endeavor is futile.
Flog a dead horse" is an idiom meaning to continue with an effort that is already deemed futile — akin to attempting to get a dead horse to move or respond. It emphasizes the uselessness and frustration involved in persisting with ineffective methods or exhausted topics, suggesting that one's energy could be better spent elsewhere.
Example Sentences
He's just flogging a dead horse trying to get that old car to run again.
- He continues to try to fix the old car, but it is pointless.
Arguing with him is like flogging a dead horse; he never changes his mind.
- It’s useless to argue with him; his opinion will not change.
Continuing to ask for funding from that source is like flogging a dead horse; they’ve already said no.
- Asking for more funding from that source is pointless, since they have already refused.