“Flogging a dead horse” is an idiom used to indicate that continuing to discuss or do something is pointless because the issue is already settled. This expression is particularly useful for describing actions or discussions that are unnecessary or futile, especially in IELTS speaking and writing tasks, job interviews, and everyday conversations.

Examples of Usage
  • “Trying to convince him to change his mind is like flogging a dead horse.”
    • Indicates that further attempts to convince him are pointless.
  • “Revisiting the same argument is just flogging a dead horse.”
    • Describes the futility of continuing the same argument.

This idiom is similar to “pointless,” but “flogging a dead horse” adds a more idiomatic and expressive touch to your language, making your descriptions more engaging.

Flogging a dead horse English idiom

Practice Makes Perfect

To get comfortable using “flogging a dead horse,” try incorporating it into your daily conversations and writing. Here are a few practice sentences:

  1. “Continuing to argue with him about this is just flogging a dead horse.”
  2. “Talking about changing the policy now is like flogging a dead horse; the decision is final.”

The more you use idiomatic expressions, the more natural they will become in your language repertoire.

Conclusion

Next time you need to describe something pointless, try using “flogging a dead horse” to add a more vivid and idiomatic touch to your English. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to use this and other expressions confidently in your conversations and writing tasks.

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