“Preaching to the Choir” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

In this reference, you will learn about the idiom “preaching to the choir.” This popular phrase is often used in everyday conversation, despite being hundreds of years old. We will provide a detailed explanation of the phrase, examples of how it’s used and alternative ways to convey the same meaning. Understanding such idiomatic expressions can enhance your communication skills, making your language more colorful and expressive.

“Preaching to the Choir” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “preaching to the choir” means to address an audience that already agrees with or supports your message, rather than reaching those who might need to be convinced or informed. It suggests that the speaker is wasting their efforts by trying to persuade people who are already in alignment with their views or beliefs.
Preaching to the Choir
Preaching to the Choir – Created by 7ESL

“Preaching to the Choir” Meaning

The phrase “preaching to the choir” refers to the act of expressing an argument or opinion to a group that already agrees with or supports that viewpoint. It implies that the speaker is wasting their efforts by trying to convince people who are already on their side, rather than addressing those who may hold differing opinions or beliefs.

Examples:

  • “I know you’re passionate about environmental issues, but you’re just preaching to the choir here; everyone in this group already agrees with you.”
  • “When she talks about the need for reform in education, she’s just preaching to the choir; we all share that belief.”

Origin of This Idiom

This phrase began in the 1800s, but back then it was “preaching to the converted.” It was used to describe preachers on Sunday who preached to their congregation about accepting God in their lives when they obviously already had, otherwise they would not be present in church. Sometime in the 1970s the phrase was changed to “preaching to the choir,” but the meaning was still inherently the same.

Usage of “Preaching to the Choir”

  • In a discussion about advocacy:

“When she talked about the importance of recycling to the environmental club, she was just preaching to the choir; they all already agreed.”

  • Referring to a debate:

“He realized he was preaching to the choir when he tried to convince his friends about the benefits of a vegan diet.”

  • In a work context:

“During the meeting, he spent too much time discussing customer service policies with the team, essentially preaching to the choir.”

  • Talking about political discussions:

“By addressing the same issues at the rally, he was just preaching to the choir, as the audience already shared his views.”

Related Terms to “Preaching to the Choir”

Here are some related terms and phrases to “preaching to the choir” that convey similar meanings of addressing an audience that already agrees with or supports a particular view or belief:

  • Singing to the converted – addressing those who already share your beliefs.
  • Talking to the faithful – speaking to those who are already committed or loyal to a cause.
  • Pandering to the base – catering to one’s supporters or followers, often in a political context.
  • Reinforcing existing beliefs – affirming or strengthening ideas that the audience already holds.
  • Beating a dead horse – discussing an issue that has already been established and is unlikely to change.
  • Flogging a dead horse – similar to “beating a dead horse,” emphasizing the futility of the effort.
  • Hollering into the void – speaking to an audience that is not receptive or already agrees.
  • Talking to a brick wall – addressing someone who is unresponsive or already in agreement.
  • Echo chamber – a situation in which beliefs are amplified by communication within a closed system.
  • Reinforcing the echo – emphasizing opinions in a group that already shares them.

Other Ways to Say “Preaching to the Choir”

Here are some alternative phrases and expressions that convey a similar meaning to “preaching to the choir”:

  • Singing to the converted
  • Talking to the faithful
  • Reinforcing the already convinced
  • Speaking to the converted
  • Addressing a receptive audience
  • Pandering to the supporters
  • Talking to the like-minded
  • Echoing in a closed room
  • Firing up the base
  • Hollering at the willing

“Preaching to the Choir” Examples

Examples in Statements

A news story in the local paper.

  • “Mrs. Brisbee was feverishly attempting to argue her position about the proposed building of the new casino within city limits, but it was clear to see that she was preaching to the choir because many people are just as outraged by the notion.”

A sports commentator during a sporting event.

  • “The quarterback needs to stop complaining about the refs to his coach. It is clear to see that he is preaching to the choir.”

Examples in Conversation

A conversation taking place between two employees.

  • Employee 1: We really need new computers around the office. The ones we have are old and slow.
  • Employee 2: No argument there, my friend, you are preaching to the choir.

A conversation between a student and teacher.

  • Student: We really need to bring awareness among students to just how important this global warming situation is.
  • Teacher: You are preaching to the choir there, Sabrina, but just how do you propose we do that?

More useful examples:

  • Not only was he preaching to the choir, he was talking to tax-cutting evangelists.
  • He is preaching to the choir of religious-right Protestants and conservative Catholics whose votes should already be locked up.
 
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