Pronunciation: [dˈɛd hˈɔːsɪz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "dead horses" can be explained with the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The initial consonant sound is represented by the voiced dental fricative /ð/, followed by the long vowel sound /ɛ/. The second word, "horses", starts with the voiceless glottal fricative /h/, followed by the diphthong /ɔr/ and the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. So the correct spelling of this phrase would be /dɛd hɔrsɪz/.
Dead horses, also known as "beating a dead horse," refers to a colloquial expression used to describe the futile and unnecessary continuation of an activity or discussion that has already been thoroughly exhausted or resolved. It symbolizes a hopeless and pointless effort to revive or extract value from something that is already lifeless or unproductive.
Metaphorically speaking, "dead horses" have lost their vitality, energy, and relevance, rendering any effort spent on them utterly wasted. The concept often implies a lack of progress or a refusal to accept the inevitability of an unchangeable outcome, leading to wasted resources and time.
Using the idiom "beating a dead horse" typically conveys the idea that one should move on from a fruitless or unchangeable situation. It advises against persisting in actions that can no longer produce any positive results, urging individuals to instead focus on more productive endeavors.
The notion of dead horses can be employed in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, professional settings, or even in a broader societal context. It serves as a reminder to evaluate one's efforts and recognize when it is time to stop expending energy on a lost cause, embracing the need for change and redirection towards more promising and constructive paths.
The etymology of the phrase "dead horses" is not directly related to the words themselves. Instead, it originates from an expression known as "flogging a dead horse". This idiomatic phrase means to continue pursuing or discussing a topic or issue that has already been resolved or is no longer relevant, thus wasting time and effort. The term "dead horse" used in this context implies that no matter how hard you try to revive it, a dead horse will never come back to life.
