reinvent the wheel

Idioms  

1. Do something again, from the beginning, especially in a needless or inefficient effort, as in School committees need not reinvent the wheel every time they try to improve the curriculum. This expression alludes to the invention of a simple but very important device that requires no improvement. [Second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reinvent the wheel

When the Englishman, who had been the side's defensive specialist since 2016, took on the job from his former boss Schmidt after the 2019 World Cup, there was no abrupt attempt to reinvent the wheel.

From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2024

This season, Saab did not reinvent the wheel, nor did he intend to.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 24, 2024

“You’re not going to reinvent the wheel in a matter of a week,” Odom said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 8, 2023

“It’s intelligent, and I think that it’s relatable hopefully for a lot of people. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel — it’s just really good, clever storytelling with compelling characters.”

From New York Times ● Jun. 27, 2023

For a sophisticated dessert, it’s not always necessary to reinvent the wheel.

From Washington Times ● May 4, 2023