PhrasesHub

Reinvent the wheel

    Definitions

      • To waste time and effort by trying to create something that already exists
        Used to discourage someone from putting in unnecessary effort or reinventing something that has already been done before.

      • To improve or create something that already exists
        Can also be used in a positive sense to encourage someone to innovate and make improvements to something that already exists.

    Examples of Reinvent the wheel

    • The company's new software program is just a reinvention of the wheel.

      This idiom means that the company is creating something that already exists and has been done before, without any significant improvements or innovations. In other words, it's a waste of time and resources.

    • The artist's latest sculpture is a complete reinvention of the wheel.

      This idiom can also be used to describe something that is completely different or unconventional, as if it's a new way of looking at something that's been done before. In this case, the sculpture might be so unique and groundbreaking that it's like starting from scratch and creating a new way of creating art.

    • I don't need to reinvent the wheel to make a successful business.

      This idiom can also be used to express confidence or assurance that a certain approach or strategy will work, without the need for drastic changes or innovations. In other words, it's a way of saying that the traditional or proven methods are still effective and don't need to be reinvented.

    • The government's new policy is just a reinvention of the wheel.

      This idiom can also be used to criticize a policy or decision that seems to be a repeat of something that's already been tried and failed. In other words, it's a way of saying that the policy is not innovative or effective, and it's a waste of resources and time.

    • The athlete's new technique is a complete reinvention of the wheel.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a new and innovative approach or technique that's completely different from what's been done before. In this case, the athlete might have developed a new way of performing a sport or a new technique that's never been seen before, making it a groundbreaking development.


    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the idiom "reinvent the wheel" can be used to caution someone against putting in unnecessary effort or to encourage them to innovate and improve something that already exists. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, trying to create something new or different may not be the most efficient use of time and resources.

    Origin of "Reinvent the wheel"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 4th century BC, when the philosopher Plato used a similar phrase in his work "Phaedrus". He wrote, "A boy, who has experience of the world, that there is nothing new; he is in a state of amazement and says, 'Here are lights which never did me any good before!'" This was later translated into Latin as "to reinvent the wheel."

    The phrase gained popularity in the 20th century and was commonly used in the field of engineering and technology, where inventors and engineers would often try to improve and innovate existing designs and inventions. However, the phrase is now used in a broader sense, encompassing any situation where someone is putting in unnecessary effort to create or improve something that already exists.