Beat a dead horse
/biːt ə dɛd hɔːrs/informalUS · CA
What does “Beat a dead horse” mean?
Beat a dead horse means to waste energy by continuing to discuss, argue about, or try to change something that cannot be resolved or changed.
This idiom means spending time on an issue that is already finished or settled. For example, it often describes repeating the same arguments long after everyone else has made up their minds.
The phrase carries a tone of mild frustration or impatience. You usually use it to urge someone to stop talking about the past and move on to something new.
When do people say it?
People say this when someone keeps arguing about a matter that is already decided.
“We already chose the red design, so debating it now is just beating a dead horse.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in US and CA.
Where does it come from?
The phrase comes from the obvious fact that hitting a dead horse will not make it run. British politician John Bright used a similar phrase in the 1800s to describe a hopeless bill in parliament.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “Beat a dead horse” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11