To Beat a Dead Horse (Idioms)

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Welcome to English in a Minute!

The expression to beat a dead horse sounds a lot more violent than it’s meaning. Let’s listen.

To Beat a Dead Horse

Speaker A: It is so hot.
Speaker B: Can we please go to the pool?
Speaker A: I told you. The pool is closed all week for repairs.
Speaker B: But it’s hot!
Speaker A: And it’s closed! Stop beating a dead horse. Let’s find some ice or something.

To “beat a dead horse” means to waste time or energy on a situation that can’t be changed. Maybe Dan can find Anna a kiddie pool or something?

And that’ English in a Minute!

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*This article has been edited and reprinted from VOA Learning English with permission from Voice of America (VOA) for use in English language materials.