DEAD HORSE Meaning and
Definition
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Dead Horse (noun):
1. A colloquial term used to describe a situation, issue, or project that has been prolonged or repeated to the point of futility, where further effort or discussion is futile or unproductive. The term originates from the notion that trying to revive or continue to beat a dead horse is pointless since it will never respond or bring any benefit.
2. In business or management contexts, "dead horse" refers to an endeavor that is no longer profitable or worth pursuing. It is often used to emphasize the need to cut losses and abandon unprofitable ventures rather than wasting resources or time on them.
3. Within the context of arguments or debates, "dead horse" refers to a topic or point that has been exhaustively discussed or settled, and any further discussion or insistence upon it is redundant. Bringing up a dead horse in a conversation can be seen as an attempt to divert from the main topic or reopen old wounds.
4. In some cultures, a "dead horse" can symbolize a defeated or unsuccessful endeavor, similar to a lost cause. It may also connote a sense of hopelessness, indicating that further attempts to revive or salvage the situation are futile.
Overall, "dead horse" is a metaphorical term that conveys the idea of persistence or investment in something beyond its value or viability. It highlights the need to recognize and let go of unfruitful efforts or discussions.
Common Misspellings for DEAD HORSE
- dea horse
- ded-horse
- sead horse
- xead horse
- cead horse
- fead horse
- eead horse
- dwad horse
- dsad horse
- ddad horse
- drad horse
- d4ad horse
- d3ad horse
- dezd horse
- desd horse
- dewd horse
- deqd horse
- deas horse
- deax horse
- deac horse
Etymology of DEAD HORSE
The etymology of the phrase "dead horse" can be traced back to the early 17th century. Originally, it was used in a literal sense, referring to a horse that had died. Over time, it acquired a figurative meaning as well. In the late 18th century, the phrase began to be used metaphorically to describe a topic or issue that had been resolved or concluded, yet was still being discussed or pursued further. This metaphorical use originated from the practice of beating a dead horse to no avail--continuing to strike a lifeless animal would not revive it nor achieve any meaningful result. Hence, "flogging a dead horse" came to represent futile efforts or wasted energy. The phrase "dead horse" eventually became synonymous with something that is no longer of value or relevance.
Idioms with the word DEAD HORSE
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flog a dead horse
The idiom "flog a dead horse" means to waste time, effort, or resources on a futile or hopeless task or cause. It implies persisting with an endeavor that is already doomed to fail or trying to revive something that is no longer viable or useful.
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beat a dead horse
The idiom "beat a dead horse" means to continue to pursue a particular course of action, argument, or opinion that is no longer productive or relevant. It refers to the futile and unnecessary effort of trying to accomplish something that has already been decided or resolved.
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be beating a dead horse
The idiom "beating a dead horse" means to waste time and effort on something that is already finished or resolved, and will not yield any further progress or results. It refers to a futile or pointless action, similar to attempting to revive or make use of a horse that is already dead.
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be flogging a dead horse
The idiom "be flogging a dead horse" means to continue to persist at a task or effort that is useless, futile, or has no chance of success. It implies wasting time, energy, or resources on something that is already concluded or impossible to achieve.
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dead horse
The idiom "dead horse" refers to a situation or problem that has been resolved, dealt with, or completed, but is still being discussed, debated, or worked on unnecessarily. It can also be used to describe a task or project that is futile or pointless to continue pursuing.
