dead horse

noun

1. something that has ceased to be useful or relevant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dead horse¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. beat / flog a dead horse, to persist in pursuing or trying to revive interest in a project or subject that has lost its usefulness or relevance.

More idioms and phrases containing dead horse

see beat a dead horse .

Example Sentences

"I remember having a conversation with my mum at a point and she said 'do you think you're flogging a dead horse here?' I just said no. I knew I had the chance to do this if I got a clean run at things."

From BBC

In addition to raising a litany of other claims about Tanner — including an on-duty incident in which he allegedly cut off a dead horse’s leg — the suit also describes repeated misconduct involving other members of the Rattlesnakes.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the internal criminal probe, the suit says Tanner was the target of multiple administrative investigations, including one incident in which he allegedly sawed off the leg of a dead horse with a pocketknife and made a trainee hold the leg.

From Los Angeles Times

A minute later, another call reported a trailer had stopped next to a “dead horse blocking one or two lanes,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

As late as 10 p.m., the dead horse was left uncovered on the carpool lane on the 605.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrears
• bill
• capital
• commitment
• credit
• damage
• deficit
• due
• indebtedness
• liability
• mortgage
• obligation
• price tag
• receipt