PhrasesHub

Preaching to the choir

    Definitions

      • stating the obvious
        Pointing out something that is already known or accepted by the listener

      • trying to convince someone who already agrees
        Trying to persuade or influence someone who already holds the same opinion or belief

    Examples of Preaching to the choir

    • During the company meeting, the CEO launched into a long-winded speech about the importance of teamwork and hard work. It was clear that he was preaching to the choir, as the entire room was made up of dedicated and hardworking employees who already understood the value of these concepts.

      In this context, "preaching to the choir" means that the speaker is delivering a message that is already well-known and understood by the audience. It's a metaphor that draws a parallel between a religious sermon to a group of faithful congregants and a business presentation to like-minded individuals. The phrase suggests that the speaker is wasting their breath, as the audience does not need to be convinced or persuaded.

    • The head of the school's environmental club gave a speech during the student council meeting, urging her peers to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Her words fell on receptive ears, as the entire room was full of climate activists who already believed in these principles. It was clear that she was preaching to the choir.

      In this context, "preaching to the choir" can be used to describe a situation where a speaker is addressing a group of people who already share their beliefs or values. The phrase suggests that the speaker does not need to expend much effort to convince their audience, as they are already in agreement. It can also be used to dismiss the significance of a presentation or speech, implying that the audience does not need to be persuaded or convinced because they are already predisposed to believe what the speaker is saying.

    • The Mayor delivered a passionate speech about the importance of public safety, but the crowd of officers and police supporters nodded in agreement, already well-versed in the value of law enforcement. It was clear that he was preaching to the choir.

      In this context, "preaching to the choir" is used to describe a situation where a speaker is addressing a group of people who already share their views or values. The phrase implies that the speaker does not need to expend much effort to convince their audience because they already believe in the same things. This use of the idiom is often used by speakers as a way of acknowledging that their audience is already in agreement with them, but can also be used as a way of dismissing the significance of their speech, implying that the audience does not need to be persuaded or convinced because they are already predisposed to believe what the speaker is saying.

    • The professor gave a lecture on the importance of critical thinking, but the class of intelligent and discerning students listened attentively, already well-versed in the value of independent thought. It was clear that she was preaching to the choir.

      In this context, "preaching to the choir" is used to describe a situation where a speaker is addressing a group of people who already share their views or values. The phrase implies that the speaker does not need to expend much effort to convince their audience because they already believe in the same things. This use of the idiom is often used by speakers as a way of acknowledging that their audience is already in agreement with them, but can also be used as a way of dismissing the significance of their lecture, implying that the audience does not need to be persuaded or convinced because they are already predisposed to believe what the speaker is saying.

    • During the company's quarterly meeting, the CEO made a lengthy speech about the importance of teamwork and collaboration. While this was helpful advice, many of the executives already understood the significance of working together and felt like they were "preaching to the choir."

      The expression "preaching to the choir" is used when someone is delivering a message to a group of people who already agree with them and, therefore, there's no need to persuade or convince them. The term comes from the religious context of a choir, who are already committed believers and, as such, do not require further religious instruction. In a broader sense, any person or group already familiar with and in support of an idea, belief, or message can be described as the metaphorical "choir."

    • The environmental activist gave another passionate speech about the dangers of pollution at the community meeting. However, the majority of the attendees were already environmentally conscious and, as a result, felt like they were "preaching to the choir."

      As the expression "preaching to the choir" implies, such situations can be unproductive as they do not result in any specific actions or positive outcomes. When preaching to the choir, people fail to address those who may need more persuasion or newer information, and instead speak to a group of people who are already supportive of their cause. This can result in speaking only to the converted rather than expanding the circle of listeners and supporters.

    • The politician delivered a speech at the rally, emphasizing the importance of voting rights for all citizens. Although his message was critical and relevant, many of the audience members were staunch advocates of political reform, and the speaker found himself "preaching to the choir."

      A key problem with preaching to the choir is that it can create a sense of overconfidence or complacency in a person or group already supportive of a cause, which may prevent them from advocating it more effectively. Moreover, as political commentator Andrew Ferguson once noted, preaching to the choir does not help people connect with or understand those who may oppose or disagree with the message being conveyed. Thus, it is crucial to avoid preaching solely to the converted and instead to expand one's audience to those who require more persuasion and education.

    • "During the company's annual meeting, the CEO's speech was little more than preaching to the choir. The employees already fully supported the company's mission and values, so his words fell on receptive ears."

      The phrase "preaching to the choir" is used here to describe a situation where the audience being addressed already shares the same beliefs and opinions as the speaker, making the speech essentially unnecessary or merely a reiteration of existing views. In this case, the CEO's address was essentially redundant since the employees were already committed to the company's ideals.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "preaching to the choir" is used to convey the idea of stating the obvious or trying to convince someone who already agrees with you. It is often used to suggest that the speaker's efforts are unnecessary because they are trying to persuade people who are already on the same page.

    Origin of "Preaching to the choir"

    The phrase "preaching to the choir" originates from the practice of preaching in churches. The choir refers to the group of singers who are already believers and are likely to be supportive of the message being delivered. When someone is "preaching to the choir," they are essentially addressing a group that is already in agreement with them, making their efforts redundant. The idiom has evolved to be used in a broader sense, beyond religious contexts, to convey the idea of trying to persuade those who are already receptive to the message.