dead horse
Americannoun
idioms
Etymology
Origin of dead horse
An Americanism dating back to 1820–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just saying it once feels like I’m beating a dead horse.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026
As late as 10 p.m., the dead horse was left uncovered on the carpool lane on the 605.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 3, 2024
“I think you would like to have those players playing in an ideal world, but I feel like we’re sort of beating a dead horse in this media room a little bit,” he said.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 13, 2024
The dead horse was found by a citizen in Hempstead, about 50 miles northwest of Houston, at around 8:30 a.m.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 24, 2023
They fought amidst the grass and dirt and falling ashes beside the dead horse, until his brother rolled on his back in submission, tail tucked low.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
