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flog a dead pony

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To attempt to get more out of something that cannot give more; to attempt to arouse fresh interest in something that is either hopeless or already settled.

idiomatic

Examples

“[…] much greater impact on actual practice when the topic wasn't flogging a dead pony (advocating a change already wide-spread) […]”
Now was not the time to lose her temper. He was baiting her, and going over the Brazil incident was like flogging a dead pony. She was tired and the pony was past caring.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

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