Choose the correct meaning of the idiom:
'To flog a dead horse'
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Waste time on lost cause
Explanation
The figurative expression "to flog a dead horse" means to waste energy on a situation that is already settled, lost, or impossible to change. The idiom relies on the vivid metaphor of whipping a horse that has already passed away in an attempt to make it move forward, which is a completely futile effort. The alternative choices do not fit the meaning, as they refer to literal animal cruelty, vocal complaints, or achieving success through hard work.
Key Points
Core Definition Idiomatic expressions are phrases whose figurative meaning cannot be understood literally from the individual words themselves.
Grammatical Role Correct interpretation of a verb phrase functioning as a metaphorical descriptor for engaging in useless or repetitive endeavors.