harp on
phrasal verb.to talk or complain about the same thing for a long time in an annoying way.
phrasal verb.to dwell on a subject tiresomely or excessively; to persist in talking about a specific topic to the point of irritation for the listener.
“I know I made a mistake, so please don't harp on about it.”
“My manager keeps harping on the importance of punctuality even though I am never late for work.”
“The editorial board continued to harp on the administration's fiscal failures long after the policy in question had been repealed.”
often followed by the preposition 'about' or 'on' before the object.
the term comes from the musical instrument (the harp), suggesting the repetition of playing the same string over and over; compare with 'dwell on' which is more neutral.
the correct preposition following the verb is 'on' or 'about', never 'in'.
- go on about
- dwell on
- labor the point
- reiterate
- Particles
- on
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- harp + on (+ about) + object