9 Everyday Idioms For Waste Of Time

English Idioms for Waste Of Time, expressions and proverbs are an essential part of the English language, both spoken and written English are filled with them.

For English Learners idioms are difficult to get one’s head around, the reason being Idioms don’t make common sense.

To learn the meanings and usage of idioms, learners must practice and familiarize themselves with their everyday usage.

The team at LillyPad understands the pain and difficulties English Learners confront comprehending the true meaning and acceptable usage. This idioms list of Waste Of Time makes learning simple, with common Waste Of Time idioms, definitions, and example sentences which make the meaning clear.

Learning to use common idioms and expressions will make your English sound more native, so it’s a good idea to master some of these expressions with daily practice, so bookmark this page or share it with your friends; now let us learn about idioms for Waste Of Time together.

 

Idioms for Waste Of Time with Meanings, Definitions & Example Sentences

 

1. Beating A Dead Horse

Definition and Meaning: Beating A Dead Horse

The expression “beating a dead horse” is used to describe a situation where someone is continuing to do something even though it is no longer effective.

Beating A Dead Horse Example Sentences:

• I’m not going to keep arguing with you about this – it’s like beating a dead horse.
• I know you’re upset, but there’s no point in beating a dead horse – it’s over and there’s nothing we can do to change it.
• I know you’re tired, but we have to keep working – it’s not like we’re beating a dead horse or anything.
• Please let it go. Beating a dead horse isn’t going to help anything.

2. Closing The Barn Door After The Horse Has Already Escaped

Definition and Meaning: Closing The Barn Door After The Horse Has Already Escaped

The expression “closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped” means that it is too late to take action after the damage has already been done.

Closing The Barn Door After The Horse Has Already Escaped Example Sentences:

• Trying to fix the problem after it’s already happened is like closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped.
• Plan ahead to avoid feeling like closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped.
• Let’s deal with the consequences instead of pointing fingers and closing the barn door after the horse has already escaped.

3. A Lot Of Work For A Little Payoff

Definition and Meaning: A Lot Of Work For A Little Payoff

This expression means that the person exerted a lot of effort and spent so much time on something that is not rewarding.

A Lot Of Work For A Little Payoff Example Sentences:

• It’s a lot of work for a little payoff to keep up with the Joneses.
• Planting vegetables in my garden seemed like a lot of work for a little payoff after bugs swarmed them.
• Reading this book was a lot of work for a little payoff because I didn’t like its ending.

4. Spinning Your Wheels

Definition and Meaning: Spinning Your Wheels

The expression “spinning your wheels” means that you are doing something that is not productive and is not going to lead to any positive results.

Spinning Your Wheels Example Sentences:

• You’re spinning your wheels if you think you can finish this project by yourself.
• Are you sure you’re not just spinning your wheels with this new diet?
• Ask our consultant instead of spinning your wheels researching something he already knows.

5. Rearranging Deck Chairs On The Titanic

Definition and Meaning: Rearranging Deck Chairs On The Titanic

The expression “rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic” is often used to describe a situation where someone is trying to fix a problem that is already too far gone to be fixed.

Rearranging Deck Chairs On The Titanic Example Sentences:

• The company is rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic by cutting costs in areas that won’t make a difference in the long run.
• The government is rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic by focusing on minor issues instead of the major problems facing the country.
• The team is rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic by making small changes instead of the major overhaul that is needed.
• I’m rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic by trying to fix things that are already broken beyond repair.
• We’re rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic by focusing on the wrong things instead of what’s really important.

6. Tempest In A Teapot

Definition and Meaning: Tempest In A Teapot

The expression “tempest in a teapot” describes a minor situation that has been blown out of proportion. Thus, deemed a waste of time for the people involved.

Tempest In A Teapot Example Sentences:

• The argument between the two friends was a tempest in a teapot. It could have been resolved quickly.
• The situation at work was a tempest in a teapot.
• The rumor is a tempest in a teapot distracting us from important matters.

7. Tilting At Windmills

Definition and Meaning: Tilting At Windmills

The expression “tilting at windmills” is often used to describe someone who is fighting an imaginary enemy or a battle that cannot be won.

Tilting At Windmills Example Sentences:

• He’s been tilting at windmills for years, trying to get the company to change its ways.
• I know you’re tilting at windmills, but I admire your determination.
• She’s tilting at windmills if she thinks she can get him to change his mind.
• He’s been tilting at windmills for months, but he’s finally getting some results.
• I don’t want to waste my time tilting at windmills.

8. Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Definition and Meaning: Barking Up The Wrong Tree

The expression “barking up the wrong tree” is used to describe a situation where someone is mistakenly pursuing something that will not lead to the desired result.

Barking Up The Wrong Tree Example Sentences:

• I’m not sure why you’re criticizing me for your project; you’re barking up the wrong tree.
• I think you’re barking up the wrong tree if you think I’m going to loan you any money.
• You should call their customer service line instead of barking up the wrong tree.
• Stop barking up the wrong tree. It’s better to direct your concern to the proper authority.

9. Flogging A Dead Horse

Definition and Meaning: Flogging A Dead Horse

The expression “flogging a dead horse” is used to describe a situation where someone is trying to get something done that is no longer possible.

Flogging A Dead Horse Example Sentences:

• Sweeping the floor while the fan is on is like flogging a dead horse.
• You better stick to one route; it’s traffic everywhere. Stop switching routes and flogging a dead horse.
• I hope you’re aware that you are flogging a dead horse by trying to fix your phone submerged in water for an hour.

10. Wild-Goose Chase

Definition and Meaning: Wild-Goose Chase

The idiomatic expression “wild-goose chase” means a waste of time for an endless search for something that will never be found.

Wild-Goose Chase Example Sentences:

• I’m going to have a wild-goose chase through the city looking for him.
• He’s been trying to find out what happened all day long, but it seems like a wild-goose chase.
• Finding the jewelry she lost in the snow is a wild-goose chase.
• Let it go instead of wasting your effort in a wild-goose chase.

Looking for more examples of English Idioms with example sentences, correct usage and meanings?
Top Idioms For Famous
Top Idioms For Running Fast
Everyday Idioms For Drinking Alcohol
Helpful Idioms For Crowded Places
Helpful Idioms For Summer