PhrasesHub

idiom: doing something that is unnecessary

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • criticize wastefulness
        Criticize someone for putting effort into something that is unnecessary or has no practical value

    Examples of idiom: doing something that is unnecessary

    • John spent an hour searching for his keys under the sofa cushions, even though they fell into his pocket earlier.

      This is an example of the idiom "cutting off one's nose to spite one's face" with a different meaning. It means doing something that is pointless or causing harm to oneself, in this case, wasting time by searching for the keys unnecessarily.

    • My sister spends too much money on designer clothes, just to throw them away after a few wears because they are not in trend anymore.

      This is an example of the idiom "throwing out the baby with the bathwater" with a different meaning. It means getting rid of something valuable along with something of no value, in this case, throwing out stylish clothes along with the ones that are out of fashion.

    • The company invests heavily in research and development to create a product that already exists in the market, instead of improving their existing products.

      This is an example of the idiom "reinventing the wheel" with a different meaning. It means doing something that has already been done, in this case, creating a new product that already exists in the market, instead of improving their existing products.

    • My friend quits her job just before a major project deadline, as she cannot handle the pressure, even though she needs the salary to pay her bills.

      This is an example of the idiom "killing the goose that lays the golden egg" with a different meaning. It means destroying something that is beneficial, in this case, quitting her job before the project deadline, which would prevent her from receiving her salary, that she needs to pay her bills.

    • Polishing a brand new car that has just come out of the showroom is splitting hairs.

      When we say "splitting hairs" it means paying excessive attention to trivial details that are not essential or significant. In this example, polishing a brand new car that is already in pristine condition is an unnecessary and trivial detail that some people might obsess over.

    • Bringing an umbrella on a sunny day is carrying coals to Newcastle.

      The phrase "carrying coals to Newcastle" refers to an action that is not only unnecessary but also contradictory to the circumstances. In this case, carrying an umbrella, which is commonly used to protect oneself from rain, on a sunny day is an unnecessary and contradictory action.

    • Checking the expiry date on a fresh bottle of milk is overkill.

      When we say "overkill" it means doing something to an excessive degree or in excess of what is necessary. In this example, checking the expiry date on a fresh bottle of milk is an unnecessary and excessive precaution as the milk has not yet reached its expiry date.

    • Adding extra sugar to an already sweet dessert is putting salt in the wound.

      The phrase "putting salt in the wound" refers to making an already bad situation worse by doing something unnecessary or insensitive. In this example, adding extra sugar to a dessert that is already sweet is an unnecessary and insensitive action which exacerbates an already bad situation.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "doing something that is unnecessary" is often used to caution against engaging in pointless activities or tasks that will not yield any positive results. It can also be used to criticize someone for wasting their time and effort on something that has no practical value.

    Origin of "idiom: doing something that is unnecessary"

    The origin of the idiom "doing something that is unnecessary" is not well-documented. However, it likely stems from the idea that time and effort should be utilized effectively and not wasted on tasks or activities that serve no purpose. The concept of unnecessary actions being discouraged is a common theme in many cultures and languages, leading to the creation of this widely used idiom. Examples of the idiom can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations, reflecting its enduring relevance in the English language.