In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom/phrase: "Beat a dead horse".

Introduction / Context:
This item checks familiarity with the idiom "beat a dead horse". Idioms involving animals often sound very literal and even unpleasant, but their real meanings are figurative. The learner must look beyond the literal picture of the words and recall the idiomatic sense that is used in everyday English, especially in discussions and debates.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "Beat a dead horse".
• Options describe different behaviours, from cruelty to animals to unnecessary repetition.
• The goal is to pick the option that matches the established idiomatic meaning.

Concept / Approach:
The idiom "beat a dead horse" means to continue talking about or working on an issue that has already been settled, decided, or made pointless. Any further effort is considered useless because nothing can be changed or gained by repeating the same arguments. Therefore, the correct explanation should highlight the idea of pointless repetition or dwelling on a matter beyond its resolution point.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the idiomatic meaning of "beat a dead horse": to waste time trying to revive an issue that is already finished or hopeless. Step 2: Evaluate option (a) "Show extreme level of cruelty especially to animals." This interprets the words literally and is not the idiomatic meaning. Step 3: Evaluate option (b) "Exploit someone to the point of killing him/her." This also focuses on cruelty but toward people, which is not the idiom's meaning. Step 4: Evaluate option (c) "To uselessly dwell on a subject far beyond its point of resolution." This matches the idea of continuing a debate or effort long after it has become pointless. Step 5: Evaluate option (d) "To continue playing a game knowing very well that you are going to lose." Although it suggests persistence, it is not the standard idiomatic definition. Step 6: Conclude that option (c) is the correct explanation of the idiom.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider real life usage: A manager might say, "We have already decided to cancel that project; let us not beat a dead horse." This clearly means they do not want to keep discussing a matter that has been settled. Similarly, during a meeting, if someone keeps repeating the same complaint after it has been addressed, others may feel that the person is beating a dead horse. In both cases, the focus is on useless repetition, confirming the meaning expressed in option (c).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Show extreme level of cruelty especially to animals: This is a literal interpretation of the words "beat" and "horse" and does not represent the idiom's real meaning.
• Exploit someone to the point of killing him/her: This suggests extreme exploitation or violence, which is not the point of the idiom.
• To uselessly dwell on a subject far beyond its point of resolution: Correctly describes unnecessary continuation of discussion or effort, which is the idiomatic meaning.
• To continue playing a game knowing very well that you are going to lose: Although it involves persistence, it does not capture the idea that the issue is already finished and no longer worth any effort.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners sometimes cling to the literal picture painted by idioms, especially when animals and strong verbs are involved. This can lead to emotional but incorrect interpretations. Another pitfall is to accept any option that talks about "continuing" something, even if it lacks the central idea of uselessness. To avoid mistakes, focus on how the idiom is actually used in real conversations and articles, where it clearly refers to pointless repetition.

Final Answer:
"Beat a dead horse" means to uselessly dwell on a subject far beyond its point of resolution.