Flogging a dead horse (or beating a dead horse in American English) is an idiom meaning that a particular effort is futile, being a waste of time without a positive outcome, e.g. such as flogging a dead horse, which will not compel it to do useful work.
The expression is said to have been popularized by the English politician and orator John Bright. Speaking in the House of Commons in March 1859 on Bright’s efforts to promote parliamentary reform, Lord Elcho remarked that Bright had not been “satisfied with the results of his winter campaign” and that “a saying was attributed to him [Bright] that he [had] found he was ‘flogging a dead horse’.”
The earliest instance cited in the Oxford English Dictionary dates from 1872, when The Globe newspaper, reporting the Prime Minister, William Gladstone’s, futile efforts to defend the Ecclesiastical Courts and Registries Bill in the Commons, observed that he “might be said to have rehearsed that particularly lively operation known as flogging a dead horse”.
Many sailors were paid in advance for their first month’s work. In his book Old England and New Zealand, author Alfred Simmons gives a detailed explanation and background of the “Flogging the Dead Horse” ceremony, performed by a ship’s crew at the end of the first month of their voyage at which time wages resumed. The sailors would get paid in advance of leaving the harbour, spend their money, and embark the ship with nothing. This situation allowed them to exclaim the horse symbolising their usual hard work, without money for motivation, was dead. However, once a month had passed, the sailors would have reached the Horse latitudes where wages due and paid would prompt the horse to live again.In 2018, the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) campaigned for the general public to cease usage of the idiom, along with other idioms which mentioned animals, to “remove speciesism from daily conversation”. As an alternative, PETA proposed that the general public replace “beating a dead horse” with “feeding a fed horse”. PETA justified the replacement by claiming on Twitter that in the same way, “as it became unacceptable to use racist, homophobic, or ableist language, phrases that trivialize cruelty to animals will vanish as more people begin to appreciate animals for who they are and start ‘bringing home the bagels’ instead of the bacon.”
Sir Humphry Foster had lost the greatest part of his estate, and then, playing, as it is said, for a dead horse, did, by happy fortune, recover it again.
PETA faced backlash from the public for the suggestion. Comedian Stephen Colbert on his late-night show opined society has “bigger fish to fry” than such idioms.The phrase may have originated in 17th-century slang, when a horse symbolized hard work. A “dead horse” came to mean something that had become useless. In gambling, “playing a dead horse” meant wagering on something, such as a hand of cards, that was almost sure to lose. In a 17th-century quote from a collection of documents owned by the late Earl of Oxford, Edward Harley,
In journeyman printer’s slang from the 18th and 19th centuries, work that was charged for on a bill, but not yet carried out, was called “horse”. Carrying out that work was said to be “working for a dead horse”, since no additional benefit would be gained by the labourer when the work was complete.
Chocks used during fire pumping operation are an excellent option. However, often a line is stretched off the apparatus and the engineer used the chocks on the apparatus. Many extrication teams use two wheel chicks tied together with a rope. Turtle Plastics has chicks that are lightweight and easy to deploy.The image below shows the different testing vehicles are subjected to and a strong battery cage can not only protect the battery pack, but also the occupants of the vehicle.
Electric Vehicles present several challenges to firefighters with battery fires leading the way. The automakers are designing and engineering extremely strong protective cages around battery packs. We are no strangers finding boron, martensite, and press hardened steels in the pillars, roof rails, and fender wells. However, in a BEV, the rocker panels and cross vehicle reinforcements will have boron and martensite steels to protect the battery pack from collisions that could comprise it. In the images below, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach E has this strong steel in the rocker panels and cross vehicle reinforcements. The automakers can tie in the strong rocker panels into the front fender wells requiring us to make deep cuts during a dash lift or roll.
Cracking the Egg has its’ share of fans and critics. Just remember training provides us with memory markers that we can draw from down the road and often use bits and pieces from different techniques during difficult or challenging rescues.
What does it mean to saddle a dead horse?
To “saddle a dead horse” means to place u-bolts in the wrong spot. The cable has two parts – it’s end (called a dead-end) and the part that is attached to the load. The cable that attaches to the load should be on the bottom. Cached
Unlike BEV, PHEV, and HEV, the term ICE refers to the engine itself, rather than the type of car. Normal/traditional gasoline and diesel cars have internal combustion engines.As vehicles change, our knowledge must continue to keep pace and expand our mental toolbox. The extrication tool manufacturers have kept pace with their cutters, spreaders, and rams to combat these strong steels. It’s our job to stay current where the automakers are using strong steel. Wheel chocks must match the size of the tires on the vehicle and used in pairs Tire size is designed to be proportional to the vehicle’s weight and size. Like everything in life, vehicles are changing, well vehicles keep changing. World leaders are pushing green vehicles which will increase our interactions with electric vehicles. First off, let’s look at the common acronyms of several common green and traditional vehicles.The Associated Wire Rope Fabricators, INC Facebook is a great page for tech rescue personnel to follow. Below is a image that was posted on their Facebook page under the title “Never saddle a dead horse!”. The image explains how U-Bolt Saddle Clamps should be used on wire rope.
One of the fastest methods of initial stabilization is to immobilize the vehicle by turning the 12-volt system OFF. Securing the ignition is accomplished by obtaining the key fob or keys and put them in a rescue apparatus Furthest away from the scene. Another quick, initial stabilization option are wheel chocks.The technique known as “Cracking the Egg” is interesting to method to gain patient access of a roof resting vehicle. The video below from The Rescue Boss Facebook page replaces the cribbing that is normally used with a short Paratech strut. Watch how the strut pivots art the base plate as the rear of the vehicle is lifted.
Where does the term never saddle a dead horse come from?
The phrase may have originated in 17th-century slang, when a horse symbolized hard work. A “dead horse” came to mean something that had become useless.
As vehicles change, our knowledge must continue to keep pace and expand our mental toolbox. The extrication tool manufacters have kept pace with their cutters, spreaders, and rams to combact these strong steels. It’s our job to stay
Mike Smith, Absolute Rescue’s Editor in Chief, is a veteran of the fire/rescue service in Michigan, who also works in the automotive industry as a designer. Have an idea of suggestion for the site? Contact Mike hereThese examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘dead horse.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Is Crosby a good saddle?
Crosby produce beautifully hand crafted saddles from the finest quality, soft and supple European leather, which provides ideal grip, comfort and rider support. Saddles are made for specific equestrian disciplines such as dressage and jumping.
*Malleable cast iron clips should only be used in non-critical applications. ASME, OSHA, and ASTM recommend only forged clips for critical applications. (E-Rigging.com. n.d.)Wire rope end termination efficiency ratings are based upon the wire rope’s minimum breaking force. When properly installed clips are used, eyes formed in wire rope will have the efficiency rating shown below:
The proper way to use wire rope clips can be remembered this way: “Never saddle a dead horse.” The saddle of the clip is the piece that fits into the U bolt. The dead end of a wire rope is the end of the eye that contains the cut side. The U bolt should always be in contact with the dead end, while the saddle should be on the live end. All three of them!Too many times, I have been walking on construction sites and I have looked up to see a lifeline being used, and it just about never fails for me to see the three required saddle-bolts being used, but, being used incorrectly. I will find them either: all saddles on the wrong end (dead end) of the line, two on the dead end or at least one of them on the dead end. All three saddle bolts shall be on the live end of the wire rope.
What is the saddle on a Crosby clamp?
The “Crosby” wire rope clip is a galvanized fitting used to securely fasten wire rope or guy strand. It is extremely durable. The U bolt goes over the wire and the iron saddle is attached below. Then, the bolts are tightened and the guy wire is locked in place.
The saddle clamp is used to connect a drinking water network to a customer’s connection. It is important to be careful when using it as it is an essential part of the drinking water system.Please note that applying the wire rope clips over the vinyl coating will greatly reduce the strength, and you should test your connections before use. Never use this method for critical applications as the load holding properties are severely reduced and unpredictable.Another term for a shackle – ‘clevis’ is a term that was used by the agricultural industry and was typically used to describe a shackle used with machinery operated by farm animals.
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In the rigging industry, equipment, hardware or the methods used to rig a load are known by different slang terms – it’s just as important to know these slang terms as it its to know the “proper” terms. Communication on a work site is essential to complete the job safely and efficiently, and using slang on the job is part of that.
Hercules SLR Inc. is a privately owned Canadian company, headquartered in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with a national footprint of over 400 team members. Since 1985, our team has been providing innovative and safe material handling solutions to address your unique business needs.
Battening-down happens when a sling in a choke hitch is hit, which is done to force the slack, looped part of the sling in closer contact with the load. This is a dangerous practice and should not be done – allow slings to assume their natural angle.
In the rigging and lifting industry, you’ll probably hear a lot of rigging slang thrown around – “don’t saddle a dead horse!”, bird-caging, cabling, diving, drum-crushing, end-for-ended, singing and more – but what do they all mean? Here’s a hint – saddling a dead horse has nothing to do with a rodeo! Wire rope with multiple strands can bird-cage due to torsional vibration (the angular vibration of an object, often a shaft along its axis of rotation), sudden release of tension or being forced through a sheave. Drum-crushing happens when wire rope is winded too loosely on the drum, and is then pulled from strands underneath and is crushed, which alters the shape.
To “saddle a dead horse” means to place u-bolts in the wrong spot. The cable has two parts – it’s end (called a dead-end) and the part that is attached to the load. The cable that attaches to the load should be on the bottom. Therefore, you shouldn’t add u-bolts to the ‘dead-end’ of the cable – add them to the end attached to the load, or you are ‘saddling a dead horse’.Bird-caging happens when wire rope becomes twisted, or when it’s released suddenly from an load. It’s called this as it resembles – you guess it, a bird cage. Essentially, the wire rope strands become untwisted (often due to mis-use or abuse) from the core, and puff-out forming a ‘cage’.
This is still a regular safety observation made onboard various vessels and offshore structures. “Never Saddle a Dead Horse” is a phrase used to help people remember the correct orientation of attaching a Bulldog Grip onto wire.
I find that for things like this it’s much easier for me to remember how to do it when I know why the correct way is correct instead of trying to memorize some weird saying.Bulldog grips often used for the securing of project cargo, both under and below deck, mast stays and crane wires. The single most predominant factor associated with the failure of wire cargo lashings is the incorrect application of Bulldog Grips. Failed lashings can result in considerable damage to cargoes and can also pose significant risk to the crew and the safety of the ship. They must not be used on lifting and mooring wires, or lifeboat falls.
Once you have read this, the correct method of fitting Bulldog Grips seems obvious however, the majority of those seen on board are still installed incorrectly. This short you tube video (Never Saddle a Dead Horse – YouTube)) provided by Tway lifting products in America, is a good comparison of the correct and incorrect rigging of Bulldog Grip installation I thought this was going to be advice to cowboys. I learned this from the guy who taught me rigging and though I never heard that saying, I like it. The why is important but mnemonics and phrases are a useful tool when having to memorize a lot of new stuff quickly. Crosby produce beautifully hand crafted saddles from the finest quality, soft and supple European leather, which provides ideal grip, comfort and rider support. Saddles are made for specific equestrian disciplines such as dressage and jumping.
What is the idioms of dead horse?
to waste effort on something when there is no chance of succeeding: He keeps trying to get it published but I think he’s beating a dead horse.
Always consult equipment operator’s manual and follow safety instructions before operating or servicing any tractor or equipment, or attempting any task.
I began riding horses at age six, and I’m just as infatuated (OK, more!) with the sport decades later. My AQHA gelding exemplifies the versatility of the breed — reined cow horse, reining, roping, ranch riding, trail, dressage, and jumping. We’re also dipping our toes (hooves) into Working Equitation!
Every horse is shaped differently, but they all have something called “withers.” Withers are the sloping area where the base of the neck meets the horse’s back.I love practicing dressage, jumping, reining, trail riding, and cow work with my AQHA gelding, Azteca gelding, and Mini Appy in beautiful Montana, USA.
English saddles are used for disciplines like jumping, dressage, and three-day eventing. They are usually lighter weight and less bulky than their western counterparts.
The word “tack” is a broad term that describes all of the equipment you might put on your horse to ride or do groundwork. Typically, it refers to the saddle, saddle pad, girth/cinch, bridle, and bit — but even items like horse boots, breast collars, or lunging equipment are often called “tack.”
Lots of things can go awry while you tack up, ranging from tack mishaps like a stirrup breaking or a rein snapping, to issues with your horse’s behavior.
If you’re new to the horse world, you might feel as though you’re wandering around a city where everyone else is speaking a foreign language. With a little time and practice, though, you’ll be able to speak “fluent equestrian” with the best of them.Not sure how to position your saddle or whether it fits properly? Check with your trainer, or schedule a saddle fitting session at your local tack shop.There’s a chance your horse may get away from you while you’re tacking up, so make sure they’re firmly secured. Before you bridle, make sure to tighten the girth. You don’t want the horse to get loose and have the saddle flop around or slip onto his hindquarters.Consider switching to a different type of girth. Many horses are more sensitive in the girth area and would benefit from a fleece or sheepskin girth. These girths absorb sweat and are a bit more flexible than other options.First, make sure that all of your tack fits properly. If the saddle is too narrow or too wide, tightening the girth can cause discomfort or pain and girthy-ness.
Many equestrians will desensitize younger horses (e.g. yearlings) to the saddle by letting them see and smell it. They might also place the saddle on the horse’s back for short periods of time (without using a girth or riding). This way, the horse is more familiar with this core piece of tack once it’s time to begin “real” training as a two or three year old.
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Western saddles are used for disciplines like reining, cow work, ranch riding, and barrel racing. They are usually heavier, have a horn in the front, and can have ornately decorated leather and hardware.Some common behaviors include tail swishing, chomping on the bit, fidgeting, and head tossing. These can be indicators of poor tack fit, back soreness, or lameness, so don’t just write them off as your horse being fussy.Saddles come in lots of shapes and sizes, depending on the type of activity you’re going to do with your horse. Generally, though, saddles are classified as English or Western.Many english riders now use anatomically-shaped girths that free up horses’ shoulder range of motion even more. Western riders often opt for fleece-lined cinches for additional comfort. Most horses are “started under saddle” as two or three year olds. By this time, the horse is more physically and mentally mature and able to handle mounted training. The cinch (i.e. girth) should sit comfortably behind the horse’s front legs — usually about two inches back from the “elbow” area. It’s important to choose a cinch or girth your horse finds comfortable.
One of the most common things you’ll hear riders talk about is putting a saddle on—though it can be phrased a few different ways, such as tacking up or saddling up.Saddles are designed to be placed slightly behind the withers (~2 inches), which helps ensure your girth or cinch rests slightly behind your horse’s front legs.
What is it called when you saddle a horse?
“Saddling” or “saddling up” is a more specific way to describe putting the saddle onto the horse and securing it with a girth or cinch.
LinkedIn and 3rd parties use essential and non-essential cookies to provide, secure, analyze and improve our Services, and to show you relevant ads (including professional and job ads) on and off LinkedIn. Learn more in our Cookie Policy.5. The U-bolt goes on the dead end of the wire rope. Remember as the forged wire rope clip is torqued tight the U-bolt actually crushes into the wire rope. You want this crushing to occur on the dead end of the wire rope, which is the shorter length turned back from the thimble eye (pictures 4 & 5 both illustrate correct installation).
In the second picture below you see the saddle. In the third picture you see the saddle, the U-bolt and two nuts. Together these pieces form a forged wire rope clip.
Mr. Teichgraber, I appreciate the text of your article but images 4 & 5 are not helpful to me. Photo 4, on my computer, does not show the ends of the cable (a finger tip but no cable ends 🙂 ) and Photo 5 appears to show a 5-part clamp which may have different allowances/requirements. I have been in industry for 30+ years but used cable clamps infrequently. I always heard the phrase in question but I would always forget what side of the cable was “dead”. The one alternate phrase suggestion (U get tail.); while it could be considered crude, is easier to picture. I would also think that clamp spacing would be specified; not only where along the turnback but also the distances between clamps. I assume the 1st one is at the close of the specified loop, how far from the end is the 3rd one? I assume the 2nd one would be equidistant from the other two? Thank you. Regards, T. Titus
This is the reason pre inspection need to be done. But the problem is how many green hats looked at this before it was caught. This day in age it really don’t matter if you got 30 yrs experience if you have have been doing it wrong for 30 yrs. Common sense is a super power dumbasses are being hand made everyday.
In the top picture you see three forged wire rope clips installed incorrectly. Throughout my travels I come across individuals who say: “Never Saddle A Dead Horse.” The irony is many don’t understand what the expression means in the context of forged wire rope clips a.k.a cable clips. Incidentally the wire rope in the aforementioned picture is severely corroded and should be replaced in this application. Remember extensive outward corrosion on a wire rope usually means more severe corrosion internally.Wire Rope Clips are a staple of theaters and are used when a Nicopress tool is not available, or for more temporary applications. Secures aircraft cable using two bolts and a drop forged clip.
What does it mean to not saddle a dead horse?
In short, just as you wouldn’t put a saddle on a dead horse and rely on it to get you where you’re going, you wouldn’t want to improperly fasten a wire rope eye and trust that it will perform without failure. Cached
Battening-down happens when a sling in a choke hitch is hit, which is done to force the slack, looped part of the sling in closer contact with the load. This is a dangerous practice and should not be done — allow slings to assume their natural angle.In the rigging industry, equipment, hardware or the methods used to rig a load are known by different slang terms — it’s just as important to know these slang terms as it its to know the “proper” terms. Communication on a work site is essential to complete the job safely and efficiently, and using slang on the job is part of that.
What does dead horse mean in slang?
: an exhausted or profitless topic or issue. usually used in the phrases beat a dead horse and flog a dead horse.
Hercules SLR is part of the Hercules Group of Companies which offers a unique portfolio of businesses nationally with locations from coast to coast. Our companies provide an extensive coverage of products and services that support the success of a wide range of business sectors across Canada including the energy, oil & gas, manufacturing, construction, aerospace, infrastructure, utilities, oil and gas, mining and marine industries.Another term for a shackle — ‘clevis’ is a term that was used by the agricultural industry and was typically used to describe a shackle used with machinery operated by farm animals.
What does the idiom in saddle mean?
phrase. If you are in the saddle, you are in power or in control of a situation.
To “saddle a dead horse” means to place u-bolts in the wrong spot. The cable has two parts — it’s end (called a dead-end) and the part that is attached to the load. The cable that attaches to the load should be on the bottom. Therefore, you shouldn’t add u-bolts to the ‘dead-end’ of the cable — add them to the end attached to the load, or you are ‘saddling a dead horse’.
