Question:
"Beat a dead horse" means:
"Beat a dead horse" means:
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Visualize the literal scenario of the idiom to deduce its meaning.
Since beating a horse that is already dead can never produce any helpful result, the idiom naturally represents doing something completely hopeless and wasteful.
Since beating a horse that is already dead can never produce any helpful result, the idiom naturally represents doing something completely hopeless and wasteful.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
- Continue useless effort
- Repeat an already settled matter
- Encourage someone
- Waste time on something hopeless
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question requires us to determine the correct idiomatic meaning of the common phrase "beat a dead horse".
We must select the option that best captures the figurative essence of the expression.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
$\bullet$ Literal Origin: The phrase "beat a dead horse" (or "flog a dead horse") originates from the literal, futile act of beating a horse that is already dead to try to make it pull a load. Because a deceased animal cannot move, any effort spent beating it is entirely useless and a waste of physical energy.
$\bullet$ Figurative Meaning: In modern English usage, this idiom is used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone continues to expend time, energy, or resources on an issue that has already been resolved, cannot be changed, or is completely hopeless.
$\bullet$ Evaluating Option (A): "Continue useless effort" is a general description of the idiom but lacks the specific context of dealing with a completed or hopeless matter.
$\bullet$ Evaluating Option (B): "Repeat an already settled matter" represents one common scenario of this idiom, particularly when someone brings up an argument that has already been decided.
$\bullet$ Evaluating Option (D): "Waste time on something hopeless" is the most comprehensive definition of the idiom, as it captures both the futility and the complete lack of hope associated with the action.
$\bullet$ Evaluating Option (C): "Encourage someone" is entirely unrelated to the concept of uselessness or waste of effort and is therefore incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, the most accurate overall meaning is (D) Waste time on something hopeless.
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