English

Verb

preach to the choir

1. (idiomatic) Speaking as if to convince a person or group of something which that person or group already believes.
   • 1999, Frank Pellegrini, "Now the Tax Cut Is in the Hands of the Voters," Time, 6 Aug.:

     Jay Branegan says each side will be preaching to the choir. "Democrats will make the argument that's been successful with their base . . . [that] Republicans are merely helping the rich."

Usage notes

• Often used to imply that a speaker is addressing the wrong audience or is deliberately addressing a compliant, non-challenging audience.

Synonyms

• preach to the converted (less common)

Translations