harp on one string
To dwell on a single subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Please stop harping on one string about my messy room.”
“He kept harping on one string about the project budget until everyone in the meeting felt exhausted.”
“Despite the committee reaching a final decision, the chairman continued to harp on one string, repeating his original objections until the members grew visibly impatient.”
- 01
another string to one's bow
Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.
- 02
apron string
A symbol of the domestic ties binding a male to a female (as a husband to a wife or a son to a mother).
- 03
as best one can
In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.
- 04
as far as one knows
To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.
- 05
back to square one
Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.
- 06
beat as one
To share the same feelings.
- 07
become one flesh
To join together in marriage; to develop a unifying bond as a result of marrying.
- 08
bite off more than one can chew
To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.
Last updated August 10, 2026