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    Beating a dead horse has a different meaning. Beating a dead horse means that the topic has been thoroughly covered and there's no more use in going over it any more. I've never used it heard in this context.
    – Kevin
    Commented Apr 13, 2012 at 13:31
  • Look at the WP entry: Trying to rouse Parliament from its apathy on the issue, ... would be like trying to flog a dead horse to make it pull a load
    – mplungjan
    Commented Apr 13, 2012 at 13:41
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    Interesting, maybe BE and AE have different but very similar idioms.
    – Kevin
    Commented Apr 13, 2012 at 13:49
  • @kevin: I think your interpretation of the idiom is the same. The reason there is no use going over it is that it won't move.
    – horatio
    Commented Apr 13, 2012 at 16:05
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    @horatio - Q:What do you call a dead dog? A:Doesn't matter. He won't answer anyway.
    – MT_Head
    Commented Apr 29, 2012 at 18:34