Question

Choose the exact meaning of the idiom/phrase:

To flog a dead horse

• A. To do something in vain
• B. To act in a foolish way
• C. To criticise severely
• D. Try to revive interest in a subject that is out of date

Answer 1

The correct option is A To do something in vain

The given phrase means 'To waste effort on something when there is no chance of succeeding.

Option A is correct. 'To do something in vain' means 'to waste effort on something'. Thus it has the correct meaning. Hence, it is the correct answer.

Options B, C and D are incorrect. They do not have the required meaning.