preach to the choir
preach to the choir
/priːtʃ tə ðə ˈkwaɪ.ər/
Definition
Meaning: Preach to the choir is an idiomatic expression that means to present an argument or opinion to people who already agree with it, thereby not changing anyone's mind.
Signification: Cette expression signifie exposer un argument ou une opinion à des personnes qui sont déjà d'accord, sans changer l'avis de quiconque.
Note: The phrase preach to the choir is often used to indicate that someone is wasting their efforts trying to convince those who are already convinced. Example: "You're just preaching to the choir when you talk about the benefits of recycling to us."
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Précher à des convaincus
» S'adresser à ceux qui sont déjà d'accord
Exemple: "Tu préches à des convaincus en parlant des avantages du recyclage."
English synonyms
» Talk to the converted
» Argue with those who agree
» Waste your breath
Example: "You're just preaching to the choir when you discuss climate change with us."
Example Dialogue
Thato: "So, I was thinking about the presentation and how we should approach it…"
Lesedi: "Can we just preach to the choir? Everyone here already agrees with us."
Thato: "True, but we still need to present our ideas clearly."
Lesedi: "Absolutely. Let's make it concise."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase preach to the choir has its roots in religious contexts, where a preacher addresses the choir, who are already believers. Over time, it has come to signify discussing issues with those who are already in agreement, highlighting the futility of trying to convince those who are already convinced.
Audience
The phrase "preach to the choir" is commonly understood in various contexts, particularly in discussions about opinions and beliefs. It serves as a reminder that one should be mindful of their audience when presenting ideas.
When to use: Use "preach to the choir" when you want to point out that you are discussing a topic with people who already agree with you, emphasizing the redundancy of your argument. For example: "There's no need to convince them; you're just preaching to the choir."
Dictionary Meaning
Here's an official definition of preach to the choir by The Cambridge Dictionary
It says the expression means "to try to persuade people who already agree with you." The example given is: "The men who really need to hear the message don't come to the meetings, so I'm just preaching to the choir."
News Snippet
"Building on this, Minister Jeff Radebe, who doubles up as ANC head of policy, told the media while commissions were ongoing that they realised that the party cannot be inward looking when it comes to the manifesto, and that they cannot only preach to the choir."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, preach to the choir, watch the following videos.
Video Lesson One
Video Lesson Two
WordReference
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Common Idioms and Expressions
Preach to the choir: To present arguments, ideas, or information to an audience that already agrees with or supports you, making the effort redundant.
Example: "By discussing the benefits of exercise with fitness enthusiasts, you're preaching to the choir."
Talk to the converted: To discuss a topic with people who already agree with you, making the conversation redundant or unnecessary.
Example: "When you discuss climate change with us, you're just talking to the converted."
Argue with those who agree: To present arguments to an audience that is already in agreement, which does not change opinions or outcomes.
Example: "There’s no point in arguing with those who agree; you’re just preaching to the choir."
Waste your breath: To spend time or effort speaking to an audience that cannot be persuaded or already shares the same perspective.
Example: "You're wasting your breath trying to convince them; they already believe in your ideas."
Sing to the choir: To address an audience that is already supportive, making the effort unnecessary or redundant.
Example: "In this meeting, we’re just singing to the choir about our new policy."
Note:
While "preach to the choir" is the most commonly used form of this idiom, variations like "talk to the converted" and "sing to the choir" convey similar meanings but may have nuanced differences depending on the context.
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