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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Recognize phrases for repeating an unproductive point and choose a respectful way to move a conversation forward.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Beat a dead horse” means continue discussing or attempting something after it has become pointless. Related phrases include “go over the same ground,” “run something into the ground,” “dwell on” an old topic, and “belabor a point.”
Cultural note: The idiom has a violent image and can sound harsh. It is usually better to describe a discussion as repetitive or unproductive, especially when someone is grieving, addressing harm, or raising a concern that has not been resolved.
Keep exploringA topic may be repetitive because it is unresolved, not because it is unimportant. Practise checking whether the issue is settled before suggesting a change of subject.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe when people keep returning to the same point.
Meaning
Discuss the same points again without making progress.
Tone & use
A relatively neutral way to describe a repetitive conversation.
Example
“We have gone over the same ground twice, so let’s list the open questions.”
Meaning
Explain or repeat a point too much after people already understand it.
Tone & use
Somewhat formal and critical. “Belabor” is also spelled “belabour” in British English.
Example
“I will not belabor the point: please save a copy before editing the shared file.”
Explain that more discussion is not changing the outcome.
Meaning
Continue discussing or trying something when it is no longer useful or cannot change the result.
Tone & use
Often used in “not to beat a dead horse.” The image is harsh; use with care around sensitive topics.
Example
“Not to beat a dead horse, but we still need to decide who will cover the Saturday shift.”
Meaning
Continue discussing or using something until it becomes tiring or ineffective.
Tone & use
Often used about a topic, joke, or idea that has been repeated too much.
Example
“The team ran the slogan into the ground by using it in every announcement.”
Suggest a next step without dismissing the underlying concern.
Meaning
Spend too much time thinking or talking about something, especially a past problem.
Tone & use
Can sound critical. It may be unfair if the person still needs help or the issue remains unresolved.
Example
“Rather than dwell on the typo, the editor corrected it and checked the rest of the page.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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