Ever found yourself stuck in a conversation where someone keeps arguing a lost cause? Or maybe you’ve seen a coworker push for an idea that has already been dismissed multiple times? That’s what people mean when they say “beating a dead horse.”
This phrase is widely used to describe pointless efforts, redundant discussions, or futile persistence. But English is rich with idioms that convey similar meanings, each with its own unique flavor. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to spice up your language or simply curious about related expressions, this article will dive into various sayings similar to “beating a dead horse.”
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a whole arsenal of expressions to use in different contexts—from workplace frustration to daily conversations.
In This Article
Common Sayings with Similar Meanings
The English language offers plenty of ways to express wasted effort, repetitive failure, or unproductive persistence. Below, we’ll explore some of the best alternatives to “beating a dead horse,” along with their meanings, origins, and examples.
1. Pissing in the Wind
Meaning: Engaging in an activity that is completely useless or counterproductive.
Example:
“Trying to reason with him is like pissing in the wind—he’ll never change his mind.”
Origin: The phrase refers to urinating against the wind, which results in an obvious mess, symbolizing wasted effort.
2. Digging a Hole for Yourself
Meaning: Making a situation worse by continuing a bad course of action.
Example:
“Every time you lie, you’re just digging a deeper hole for yourself.”
Origin: The more one digs, the harder it becomes to get out—symbolizing self-inflicted trouble.
3. Beating Your Head Against a Brick Wall
Meaning: Persisting in a futile or frustrating task.
Example:
“Trying to convince them to change company policy is like beating my head against a brick wall.”
Origin: Comes from the idea of physically smashing one’s head against a wall—painful and pointless.
4. Trying to Milk a Bull
Meaning: Attempting to get results from an impossible source.
Example:
“Expecting him to apologize is like trying to milk a bull—it’s never going to happen.”
Origin: Bulls don’t produce milk, making this task ridiculous and futile.
5. Running a Fool’s Errand
Meaning: Engaging in a pointless or absurd task.
Example:
“Looking for an honest politician sometimes feels like running a fool’s errand.”
Origin: The phrase dates back to the 16th century, referring to tricking someone into an unnecessary journey.
6. Throwing Pearls Before Swine
Meaning: Offering something valuable to someone who won’t appreciate it.
Example:
“Explaining art to him is like throwing pearls before swine—he just doesn’t get it.”
Origin: A biblical reference (Matthew 7:6) about giving wisdom to those who won’t value it.
7. Trying to Ice Skate Uphill
Meaning: Engaging in an impossible or overly difficult task.
Example:
“Getting this old computer to run modern software is like trying to ice skate uphill.”
Origin: A vivid image of attempting something impractical and doomed to fail.
8. Yelling at the Clouds
Meaning: Complaining about things that won’t change.
Example:
“Complaining about social media is like yelling at the clouds—it’s not going anywhere.”
Origin: Popularized by an image of an old man angrily shaking his fist at the sky.
9. Trying to Catch Smoke with Your Bare Hands
Meaning: Attempting to grasp or contain something impossible.
Example:
“Figuring out his real intentions is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.”
Origin: Inspired by the impossibility of holding smoke, representing futility.
10. Chopping Down a Tree with a Butter Knife
Meaning: Using ineffective tools or methods for a task.
Example:
“Trying to lose weight without changing your diet is like chopping down a tree with a butter knife.”
Origin: Highlights the absurdity of tackling a major problem with weak tools.
11. Kicking Against the Goads
Meaning: Resisting authority or inevitable outcomes to your own detriment.
Example:
“Fighting against technology advancements is like kicking against the goads—it won’t stop progress.”
Origin: A biblical phrase referring to oxen kicking against pointed sticks, hurting themselves.
12. Trying to Empty the Ocean with a Spoon
Meaning: Attempting an overwhelmingly impossible task.
Example:
“Fixing the economy alone is like trying to empty the ocean with a spoon.”
Origin: A striking image of a hopeless, never-ending effort.
13. Sweeping Water Uphill
Meaning: Trying to fight against an unstoppable force.
Example:
“Regulating social media is like sweeping water uphill—new platforms keep emerging.”
Origin: Water naturally flows downhill, making sweeping it uphill futile.
14. Writing in the Sand at High Tide
Meaning: Doing something that will inevitably be erased or undone.
Example:
“Trying to establish long-term rules for kids is like writing in the sand at high tide—it never lasts.”
Origin: The tide washes away sand writing, symbolizing fleeting efforts.
15. Counting Chickens Before They Hatch
Meaning: Assuming success before it actually happens.
Example:
“He’s already spending his bonus before getting it—he’s counting chickens before they hatch.”
Origin: Aesop’s fable about a milkmaid counting her profits before selling her goods.
16. Like Catching Lightning in a Bottle
Meaning: Attempting something extremely rare or nearly impossible.
Example:
“Trying to go viral on purpose is like catching lightning in a bottle.”
Origin: Capturing lightning would be impossible, symbolizing unpredictable or miraculous success.
17. Like Teaching a Fish to Climb a Tree
Meaning: Expecting someone to succeed in something they are not naturally suited for.
Example:
“Making him a team leader is like teaching a fish to climb a tree—he’s not built for it.”
Origin: Often attributed to Albert Einstein, highlighting the importance of individual strengths.
18. Like Beating the Air
Meaning: Engaging in a completely fruitless effort.
Example:
“Trying to argue with someone who won’t listen is like beating the air.”
Origin: A biblical expression, used to describe aimless or ineffective actions.
19. Like Trying to Hold Water in Your Hands
Meaning: Attempting to control something that slips away.
Example:
“Managing rumors in the office is like trying to hold water in your hands.”
Origin: A metaphor for tasks that are inherently uncontainable.
20. Like Trying to Sew Buttons on Ice Cream
Meaning: Doing something completely impractical and pointless.
Example:
“Explaining logic to conspiracy theorists is like trying to sew buttons on ice cream.”
Origin: A humorous, exaggerated metaphor emphasizing the absurdity of the effort.
21. Running After the Wind
Meaning: Chasing something that can never be caught.
Example:
“Pursuing absolute perfection is like running after the wind—you’ll never reach it.”
Origin: Found in ancient wisdom literature, emphasizing the futility of certain human pursuits.
22. Like Trying to Fill a Bottomless Pit
Meaning: Investing effort into something that will never be satisfied or completed.
Example:
“Giving him more money is like trying to fill a bottomless pit—he’ll always want more.”
Origin: A vivid image of an endless, impossible task.
23. Throwing a Feather Against a Brick Wall
Meaning: Making an effort that has no effect at all.
Example:
“Criticizing the CEO is like throwing a feather against a brick wall—he doesn’t care.”
Origin: Represents the futility of using something weak against something immovable.
24. Like Pushing a Rope
Meaning: Trying to force something in a way that doesn’t work.
Example:
“Getting unmotivated employees to care is like pushing a rope.”
Origin: A business-related idiom illustrating ineffective leadership tactics.
25. Trying to Ride Two Horses with One Behind
Meaning: Trying to do two conflicting things at once.
Example:
“Balancing a full-time job and two businesses is like trying to ride two horses with one behind.”
Origin: Based on circus performances, where failing to control two horses results in a fall.
26. Trying to Squeeze a Square Peg into a Round Hole
Meaning: Forcing something that doesn’t fit.
Example:
“Making her work in sales is like squeezing a square peg into a round hole—she’s too shy.”
Origin: A metaphor for mismatched skills, expectations, or roles.
27. Like Tying a Knot in Running Water
Meaning: Attempting to stabilize something that won’t stay still.
Example:
“Trying to stop gossip is like tying a knot in running water—it just keeps flowing.”
Origin: Inspired by the fluid, ever-changing nature of water.
28. Like Trying to Balance on a Greased Pole
Meaning: Struggling to maintain control in an impossible situation.
Example:
“Running this dysfunctional team is like trying to balance on a greased pole.”
Origin: Comes from carnival games where poles were greased to make climbing nearly impossible.
29. Like Pouring Gasoline on a Fire
Meaning: Doing something that makes an already bad situation worse.
Example:
“Yelling at an angry customer is like pouring gasoline on a fire.”
Origin: Based on how adding fuel to flames increases their intensity.
30. Like Trying to Paint a Ghost
Meaning: Attempting to define or grasp something that is intangible.
Example:
“Understanding his true intentions is like trying to paint a ghost.”
Origin: A creative metaphor emphasizing the difficulty of defining something elusive.
31. Like Trying to Play Chess with a Pigeon
Meaning: Engaging in a debate with someone who refuses to follow logic.
Example:
“Arguing with him is like trying to play chess with a pigeon—he just knocks over the pieces and acts like he won.”
Origin: A humorous internet meme about the futility of debating someone who disregards reason.
32. Like Writing Checks with No Money in the Bank
Meaning: Making promises or commitments that can’t be fulfilled.
Example:
“His campaign speeches are like writing checks with no money in the bank—nothing will come of it.”
Origin: Financial metaphor about bouncing checks due to insufficient funds.
33. Like Trying to Boil the Ocean
Meaning: Taking on an unreasonably large or impossible task.
Example:
“Expecting a small startup to compete with Amazon is like trying to boil the ocean.”
Origin: Business jargon that conveys an attempt to tackle too much at once.
34. Like Talking to a Brick Wall
Meaning: Trying to communicate with someone who refuses to listen.
Example:
“I keep explaining the issue, but it’s like talking to a brick wall.”
Origin: Represents the frustration of speaking to an unresponsive or stubborn person.
35. Like Shoveling Snow in a Blizzard
Meaning: Making progress that is immediately undone.
Example:
“Cleaning the house while the kids are home is like shoveling snow in a blizzard.”
Origin: Based on the experience of clearing snow while more keeps falling.
36. Like Trying to Nail a Cloud to the Sky
Meaning: Attempting to hold onto something elusive or uncontrollable.
Example:
“Getting her to commit to a decision is like trying to nail a cloud to the sky.”
Origin: Emphasizes the fleeting and uncontrollable nature of some situations.
37. Like Running on a Hamster Wheel
Meaning: Expending effort but going nowhere.
Example:
“Working 12-hour shifts without a promotion feels like running on a hamster wheel.”
Origin: Refers to pet hamsters running on wheels but never making progress.
38. Like Trying to Put Toothpaste Back in the Tube
Meaning: Attempting to undo something that is irreversible.
Example:
“Once the news leaked, it was like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube.”
Origin: A vivid metaphor for something that cannot be undone.
39. Like Trying to Put Out a Fire with a Thimble of Water
Meaning: Using an inadequate solution for a major problem.
Example:
“Their tiny budget increase is like trying to put out a fire with a thimble of water.”
Origin: A dramatic image of a helpless effort.
40. Like Trying to Train a Cat to Fetch
Meaning: Forcing someone or something to act against their natural tendencies.
Example:
“Making him follow a schedule is like trying to train a cat to fetch—he does what he wants.”
Origin: Based on the independent nature of cats, which rarely fetch like dogs.
41. Like Trying to Patch a Sinking Ship with Duct Tape
Meaning: Using ineffective solutions for a major crisis.
Example:
“Throwing money at this failing project is like trying to patch a sinking ship with duct tape.”
Origin: Inspired by the inadequate nature of minor fixes for catastrophic failures.
42. Like Asking a Fish to Ride a Bicycle
Meaning: Expecting someone to perform a task they are completely unsuited for.
Example:
“Making him a customer service rep is like asking a fish to ride a bicycle.”
Origin: A humorous metaphor illustrating absurd expectations.
43. Like Trying to Keep Sand from Slipping Through Your Fingers
Meaning: Attempting to hold onto something that is naturally slipping away.
Example:
“Managing this fast-moving industry is like trying to keep sand from slipping through your fingers.”
Origin: Inspired by the way fine sand escapes even a tight grip.
44. Like Bringing a Knife to a Gunfight
Meaning: Entering a challenge unprepared or under-equipped.
Example:
“Debating her without doing research was like bringing a knife to a gunfight.”
Origin: A violent metaphor emphasizing being at a major disadvantage.
45. Like Trying to Wash a Muddy Pig
Meaning: Engaging in a pointless or self-defeating struggle.
Example:
“Arguing online about politics is like trying to wash a muddy pig—it just gets messier.”
Origin: Based on the idea that pigs love mud and won’t stay clean.
46. Like Trying to Catch a Greased Pig
Meaning: Attempting to grasp something that keeps slipping away.
Example:
“Getting my toddler dressed in the morning is like trying to catch a greased pig.”
Origin: Based on traditional competitions involving slippery pigs.
47. Like Trying to Ice Skate on Gravel
Meaning: Attempting to do something in an environment where it’s impossible.
Example:
“Launching a new tech business without internet access is like trying to ice skate on gravel.”
Origin: A literal impossibility, highlighting a poor match between actions and circumstances.
48. Like Trying to Convince a Storm Not to Rain
Meaning: Attempting to stop something inevitable.
Example:
“Telling teenagers not to use social media is like trying to convince a storm not to rain.”
Origin: A poetic metaphor emphasizing natural inevitability.
49. Like Trying to Drive a Car with Square Wheels
Meaning: Attempting something with completely unworkable tools or conditions.
Example:
“Running a business without a marketing budget is like trying to drive a car with square wheels.”
Origin: Highlights the futility of an endeavor with improper tools.
50. Like Trying to Put Feathers Back in a Pillow During a Storm
Meaning: Trying to reverse something that has already spiraled out of control.
Example:
“Once the scandal broke, controlling the narrative was like trying to put feathers back in a pillow during a storm.”
Origin: Based on the image of wind scattering feathers, making collection impossible.
Spinning Your Wheels
Meaning: Trying hard but making no progress, like a car stuck in mud.
Example:
“I’ve been working on this project for weeks, but without the right tools, I’m just spinning my wheels.”
Origin: This phrase comes from the experience of vehicles getting stuck, where pressing the gas only causes the wheels to spin without moving forward.
Flogging a Dead Horse
Meaning: This is the British counterpart of “beating a dead horse” and carries the exact same meaning—wasting energy on something that’s already settled.
Example:
“Arguing with him about last year’s decision is like flogging a dead horse—it’s done and dusted.”
Origin: The phrase is believed to have originated in 19th-century British Parliament discussions, symbolizing a futile attempt to revive a lost cause.
Running in Circles
Meaning: Engaging in repetitive actions that lead nowhere.
Example:
“We’ve had three meetings about this issue, but without a clear plan, we’re just running in circles.”
Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of a person or animal moving in a circular path, expending energy without making real progress.
Talking to a Brick Wall
Meaning: Trying to communicate with someone who refuses to listen or acknowledge the argument.
Example:
“Convincing my stubborn uncle to switch political views is like talking to a brick wall.”
Origin: This expression is self-explanatory—talking to an unresponsive wall would be pointless and frustrating.
Pouring Water into a Sieve
Meaning: Wasting time and effort on something that won’t retain value or results.
Example:
“Trying to get him to change his habits is like pouring water into a sieve—it just slips away.”
Origin: A sieve is a tool with holes used for straining, meaning any attempt to fill it with water is in vain.
Rearranging Deck Chairs on the Titanic
Meaning: Making minor or superficial changes when a much bigger problem is looming.
Example:
“Trying to redesign the website when the company is going bankrupt is just rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.”
Origin: Comes from the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912—rearranging furniture wouldn’t have changed the outcome.
Chasing Your Own Tail
Meaning: Engaging in endless, repetitive activity with no meaningful outcome.
Example:
“I’ve sent five emails and made ten calls, but I still have no answer—I’m just chasing my own tail at this point.”
Origin: Inspired by the image of dogs or animals spinning in circles, futilely chasing their own tails.
Barking Up the Wrong Tree
Meaning: Pursuing a mistaken or misdirected course of action.
Example:
“If you think I took your wallet, you’re barking up the wrong tree—I wasn’t even there.”
Origin: This phrase dates back to hunting dogs that mistakenly barked at the wrong tree, thinking the prey was there.
Throwing Good Money After Bad
Meaning: Continuing to invest in a failing endeavor.
Example:
“Stop funding that startup—it has no customers. You’re just throwing good money after bad.”
Origin: A financial metaphor describing the act of wasting additional resources on a lost cause.
Trying to Squeeze Blood from a Stone
Meaning: Attempting to get something from someone or something that has nothing to give.
Example:
“Getting a raise from this company is like trying to squeeze blood from a stone.”
Origin: Stems from the impossibility of extracting liquid (blood) from an inanimate object (a stone).
Like Nailing Jello to a Wall
Meaning: Trying to accomplish something impossible or extremely difficult to control.
Example:
“Getting my toddler to sit still for a photo is like nailing Jello to a wall.”
Origin: A humorous modern expression emphasizing the futility of stabilizing something inherently unstable.
Pushing Water Uphill
Meaning: Engaging in a task that is doomed to fail due to natural resistance.
Example:
“Convincing my boss to change the policy is like pushing water uphill.”
Origin: Based on the idea that water naturally flows downhill, making uphill movement nearly impossible.
Fighting a Losing Battle
Meaning: Persisting in a conflict or argument that has no chance of success.
Example:
“Trying to ban smartphones in schools is fighting a losing battle—students will always find a way.”
Origin: Comes from military terminology, where a battle is clearly unwinnable but still fought.
Throwing a Hail Mary
Meaning: Making a desperate, last-ditch effort with little chance of success.
Example:
“Applying for that high-level job without experience is like throwing a Hail Mary.”
Origin: Comes from American football, where a “Hail Mary” pass is a long, unlikely-to-succeed throw.
Trying to Herd Cats
Meaning: Attempting to control or organize a chaotic group of people or things.
Example:
“Managing a group of kindergarteners is like trying to herd cats.”
Origin: Derived from the near-impossibility of getting multiple cats to move in the same direction.
How and When to Use Sayings Similar to Beating a Dead Horse
Each of these expressions has its own best-use scenario, depending on the context. Below is a guide on when and how to apply them effectively in conversations:
| Saying | Best Context for Use | Example |
| Spinning Your Wheels | When someone is trying hard but getting nowhere | “Without the right tools, this project is just spinning its wheels.” |
| Flogging a Dead Horse | When people keep discussing a settled issue | “Bringing up that old argument again is just flogging a dead horse.” |
| Running in Circles | When a group keeps repeating steps without progress | “This team is running in circles without a clear strategy.” |
| Talking to a Brick Wall | When someone ignores or refuses to acknowledge new ideas | “Explaining budgeting to him is like talking to a brick wall.” |
| Pouring Water into a Sieve | When time or effort is wasted without achieving anything | “Training an uninterested employee feels like pouring water into a sieve.” |
By using these idioms strategically, you can add depth to your conversations and make your speech more engaging.
In Summary
Language is full of colorful expressions that capture the frustration of wasted effort. While “beating a dead horse” is one of the most common ways to describe pointless persistence, there are plenty of alternatives, each with a slightly different nuance.
Whether you’re describing someone stuck in a repetitive cycle (“running in circles”), someone refusing to listen (“talking to a brick wall”), or an effort that is completely wasted (“pouring water into a sieve”), the right phrase can make your point more impactful.
Next time you find yourself in a dead-end discussion or a hopeless task, swap out “beating a dead horse” for one of these expressions—it might just make your message clearer and more memorable!
What’s your favorite saying from this list? Do you know any others with a similar meaning? Share them in the comments below!