The Village Idiom

flog the log

The idiom "flog the log" means to waste time or engage in a pointless activity. It is often used to describe someone who is being unproductive or procrastinating.

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In a sentence

  • John is always flogging the log at work, never actually getting anything done.
  • The coach told the team they need to stop flogging the log and start putting in more effort during practice.
  • Despite all his efforts, Mike felt like he was just flogging the log as he struggled to improve his tennis skills.

Where it comes from and how it is used

"Flog a dead horse" is another idiomatic expression that shares similarities with "flog the log." This phrase is used to describe the act of continuing to pursue or work on something that is already beyond hope or no longer has any chance of success. Just as "flog the log" refers to wasting time on an unproductive task, "flog a dead horse" suggests exerting effort on something that is futile.

Similarly, "flog the dolphin" is another related idiom that conveys a similar concept but with a slightly different connotation. This phrase is used to describe the act of engaging in mindless or repetitive activities as a means of passing time or avoiding more important tasks. Just as "flog the log" implies a sense of inefficiency or pointless action, "flog the dolphin" emphasizes the idea of engaging in unproductive activities for the sake of distraction.

Finally, we have the idiom "drop a log." While the literal meaning of this phrase refers to defecation, it is used idiomatically to describe the act of making a log entry or recording information. In the context of "flog the log," this idiom adds another layer of meaning by emphasizing the repetitive and monotonous nature of certain activities. Just as "flogging the log" implies a sense of repetitiveness or unproductive tasks, "dropping a log" highlights the mundane and routine aspects of certain actions.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.