To flog a dead horse
Стегать мертвую лошадь (т. е. заниматься явно бесполезным делом).
Голую овцу стричь. Мертвого лечить.
Другие пословицы:
- An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue
- An ass loaded with gold climbs to the top of the castle
- Every ass loves to hear himself bray
- An ass is but an ass, though laden with gold
- An ass in a lion's skin
- The early bird catches the worm
- Dogs that put up many hares kill none
- That cock won't fight
- Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the face with his tail
- A shy cat makes a proud mouse
- To put (set) the cart before the horse
- A thief knows a thief as a wolf knows a wolf
- He who would catch fish must not mind getting wet
- A lazy sheep thinks its wool heavy
- It is a poor mouse that has only one hole