Question

Choose the exact meaning of the idiom/phrase- To flog a dead horse
a. To act smartly
b. To act in a foolish way
c. To criticise strongly
d. Waste energy on a lost cause

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom refers to a group of words or a phrase that is different in meaning to the literal meaning of its words.

Complete answer:
‘To flog a dead horse’ refers to wasting time and effort on something, as there will be no expected outcome or a result. The given idiom has originated from Wisconsin, when a man kept sitting on its dead horse trying to revive it.
We know the meaning and the origin of the given idiom. Now, let’s look at its usage:
Example- He keeps trying to please his boss, but everyone knows he is simply flogging a dead horse. Here, we can comprehend that X keeps trying to please his boss but he is simply wasting his time and efforts on something that has no result or outcome.
Let’s examine the given options:
- Option a- ‘To act smartly’ refers to acting or behaving in a neat and fashionable manner. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option b- ‘To act in a foolish way’ refers to acting or behaving in a silly or stupid manner. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option c- ‘To criticise strongly’ refers to judging or finding faults in someone. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
- Option d- ‘Waste energy on a lost cause’ refers to wasting efforts and time on something. It is similar in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.

> The correct answer is Option ‘d’.

Note: Keep in mind that idioms express the metaphorical meanings of the words, rather than their literal meanings.