Are you familiar with the phrase "Preaching To The Choir"?

[nanette1985]

My ex-husband got into an argument with a neighbor at my new place, over the meaning of the phrase "preaching to the choir".

Is this an obscure phrase? Do you all know what it means? It was a really stupid argument.

 

[Atomic Playboy]

It means arguing a point to someone who already agrees with your position. It's based around the idea that a choir is a group that sings religious hymns, so they already have a belief in that religion; preaching to them would be a waste of time, since they don't need additional convincing.

 

[blackdogdeek]

i use it on occasion. it means "you don't have to convince me".

 

[dullard]

That one is so obvious, that I'm curious what the arguement was

 

[Gibsons]

Not obscure.

Meaning is something like trying to tell someone something they already know or agree with. It's sure to get a positive reaction, but it's also largely a waste of effort.

 

[GeekDrew]

Very common in my area.

 

[spidey07]

Very common. Meant normally when somebody is bitching about something that the listener is also displeased with. Or pitching an idea when the listener is already on board with it. You are "preaching" to people that agree/condone what you have to say.

 

[rockyct]

It means pretty much what it says. The pastor doesn't need to preach to the choir because they already agree 100%.

Essentially, it's Steve Jobs at an Apple keynote.

Not quite. At an Apple keynote, Steve Jobs speaking is like God Himself coming down and preaching from the pulpit.

 

[Locut0s]

Very common expression. What was the argument?

 

[guyver01]

My ex-husband got into an argument with a neighbor at my new place, over the meaning of the phrase "preaching to the choir".

Is this an obscure phrase? Do you all know what it means? It was a really stupid argument.

'Preaching to the choir' (also sometimes spelled quire) is of US origin. It clearly refers to the pointlessness of a preacher attempting to convert those who, by their presence in church, have already demonstrated their faith.

The idea has also been expressed in another phrase that refers to an unnecessary act, i.e. 'kicking at an open door'.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

I too would like to know what the argument was about.

 

[zinfamous]

It means arguing a point to someone who already agrees with your position. It's based around the idea that a choir is a group that sings religious hymns, so they already have a belief in that religion; preaching to them would be a waste of time, since they don't need additional convincing.

In fact, some pastors make it a point in their style to turn around and direct some of their sermon to the choir while they are preaching.

I think the phrase reflects that long-standing redundancy. heh.

 

[nanette1985]

That one is so obvious, that I'm curious what the arguement was

Original argument was about the proper way to dispose of garbage in this particular condo complex (pointless argument).

Argument about preaching to the choir - Party A argued that it meant that the choir already agreed with the preacher beforehand, Party B argued that it implied that the preacher was too stupid to recognize that the choir already had been convinced.

 

[spidey07]

Original argument was about the proper way to dispose of garbage in this particular condo complex (pointless argument).

Argument about preaching to the choir - Party A argued that it meant that the choir already agreed with the preacher beforehand, Party B argued that it implied that the preacher was too stupid to recognize that the choir already had been convinced.

Party B is a moran.

 

[guyver01]

Argument about preaching to the choir - Party A argued that it meant that the choir already agreed with the preacher beforehand, Party B argued that it implied that the preacher was too stupid to recognize that the choir already had been convinced.

:hmm:

they're both saying the same thing

 

[nanette1985]

:hmm:

they're both saying the same thing

Party B's implication of stupidity

 

[Gooberlx2]

:hmm:

they're both saying the same thing

This. It's sorta situational, but can apply to both arguments.

 

[zinfamous]

Party B is a moran.

it might not necessarily imply that the person is stupid, just ignorant.

I think the phrase is properly interpreted by both parties.

 

[Drako]

Party B is a moran.

Hopefully party B is not her husband :biggrin:

 

[guyver01]

Party B's implication of stupidity

"preaching to the choir" implies stupidity. it implies the speaker is too stupid to recognize who agrees with them.

it doesn't state it.. but it's implicit in the definition.

 

[spidey07]

it might not necessarily imply that the person is stupid, just ignorant.

I think the phrase is properly interpreted by both parties.

Your a moran.

 

[skyking]

when I say it I mean A, but I do like the sounds of B.

 

[guyver01]

Your a moran.

 

[spidey07]

"preaching to the choir" implies stupidity. it implies the speaker is too stupid to recognize who agrees with them.

it doesn't state it.. but it's implicit in the definition.

It has NEVER meant that. So you think the choir thinks the preacher is stupid?

You're a moran.

 

[Drako]

"preaching to the choir" implies stupidity. it implies the speaker is too stupid to recognize who agrees with them.

it doesn't state it.. but it's implicit in the definition.

What happens if the said preacher has no way of knowing what the said choirs opinion is? Is he stupid becuase he's not a mind reader? :hmm: