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REFERENCE

push against an open door

idiom
Meaning

To do something pointless or unnecessary; to try doing something already done.


Examples
SIMPLE

You are pushing against an open door by suggesting that plan.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager already agreed with the new policy, so you are just pushing against an open door.

COMPLEX

By arguing for reforms that the board had already approved, the activist was merely pushing against an open door.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bang down the door

    To present oneself as a strong candidate for a role or achievement, explicitly or implicitly.

  2. 02

    close the stable door after the horse has bolted

    To attempt to prevent a problem that has already occurred; to design and implement a preventive mechanism that is too late (after the first failure instead of before).

  3. 03

    darken a church door

    To go to church to attend a service.

  4. 04

    darken someone's door

    To arrive at someone's residence or location, especially as an unexpected visitor.

  5. 05

    don't let the door hit you on the way out

    Used as a command to leave in haste, or to indicate that one is glad, or at least unmoved, to see the addressed person leaving.

  6. 06

    get one's foot in the door

    To initiate contact or a relationship; to gain access, especially to an entry-level job.

  7. 07

    get the door

    To open a door to help another person to pass through.

  8. 08

    go in the out door

    To engage in anal sex.

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