# harp on

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/harp-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to talk or complain about the same thing for a long time in an annoying way.

For teachers: to dwell on a subject tiresomely or excessively; to persist in talking about a specific topic to the point of irritation for the listener.

## Examples

- 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editorial board continued to harp on the administration's fiscal failures long after the policy in question had been repealed.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Stop harping in your old problems." but "Stop harping on your old problems." — the correct preposition following the verb is 'on' or 'about', never 'in'.

## Usage notes

- often followed by the preposition 'about' or 'on' before the object.
- Teaching tip: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.