Reinvent the Wheel: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
September 28, 2023

To "reinvent the wheel" means to waste time and effort trying to create or solve something that already exists or has been resolved by someone else.

In short:

  • It means to waste a lot of time or effort in creating something that already exists.
  • It is  is usually used in a negative way to criticize someone for being unoriginal, inefficient, or unnecessary.

What Does "Reinvent the Wheel" Mean?

The idiom "reinvent the wheel" means attempting to duplicate or recreate something that already exists, especially when it is unnecessary or beneficial. The phrase implies that the person reinventing the wheel is wasting their time and resources on something already done successfully by someone else.

Where Does "Reinvent the Wheel" Come From?

The phrase "reinvent the wheel" is of American-English origin and dates back to the 1950s. It was often used as a business metaphor to emphasize the importance of innovation and originality. The phrase became more popular and widespread in the following decades, as it was used in various contexts such as education, politics, technology, and culture. The phrase was based on the idea that the wheel is one of human history's oldest and simplest inventions and does not need any improvement or modification.

Historical Example

One of the earliest published occurrences of the phrase was in 1956 in a book called Documentation in Action, which discussed how research workers, executives, and others use information. The book quoted a scientist who said:

"The intensive literature search at the beginning of a research project is intended to define the precise boundaries between the known and the unknown and to forestall unnecessary duplication or, as one scientist has expressed it, to avoid re-inventing the wheel."

10 Examples of "Reinvent the Wheel" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • Don't reinvent the wheel when you write your essay. Just double down on research and citation.
  • Quite frankly, why do you want to reinvent the wheel? Just use the same method that worked before.
  • He is our stand-up guy. He is not afraid to reinvent the wheel and challenge the conventional wisdom.
  • Real talk: We don't need to reinvent the wheel for this project. We can use the template that we used before.
  • Beats me. He is always trying to reinvent the wheel, even when there is no problem with the current solution.
  • For God's sake. The company wasted much money trying to reinvent the wheel instead of adopting the existing technology.
  • For your sake, you don't have to reinvent the wheel every time you cook. Just use some essential recipes and add your twist.
  • It was no mean feat, but he felt he had to reinvent the wheel whenever he moved to a new country and learned a new language.
  • Don't reinvent the wheel. Just copy what your competitors are doing and do it better. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!
  • She buckled down and spent hours trying to reinvent the wheel by writing her code when she could have just used an existing library.

Examples of "Reinvent the Wheel" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of popular culture:

  • In Back to the Future (1985), Doc Brown tells Marty McFly: "This is a major scientific breakthrough. I don't want you to be like those other scientists who always try to reinvent the wheel."
  • In The Office (US version), season 2, episode 5, Michael Scott tells his employees: "I am not going to reinvent the wheel here. I will say what I have always said: You can do it!"
  • In the song Reinventing The Wheel To Run Myself Over (2001) by Fall Out Boy, the chorus goes: "I could walk this fine line between elation and success / But we all know which way I'm going to strike the stake between my chest / So you have to prove me wrong / I'm not as hopelessly pathetic as I seem / You have to prove me wrong / Nothing like reinventing the wheel to run myself over with."

Other Ways to Say "Reinvent the Wheel"

Here are some synonyms or alternative ways to say this idiom:

  • To ignore the proven
  • To redo from scratch
  • To replicate what works
  • To duplicate what exists
  • To start over unnecessarily
  • To repeat the same mistake
  • To redo what has been done
  • To disregard the established
  • To reinvent the square wheel
  • To waste time on the obvious

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Reinvent the Wheel"

Here are some common questions and answers about this idiom:

  • What does "reinvent the wheel" mean?

To "reinvent the wheel" means to waste time and effort trying to create or solve something that already exists or has been resolved by someone else.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "reinvent the wheel"?

The phrase "reinvent the wheel" is of American-English origin and dates back to the 1950s. The term was based on the idea that the wheel is one of human history's oldest and simplest inventions and does not need any improvement or modification.

  • Is "reinventing the wheel" always wrong?

No, sometimes reinventing the wheel can be reasonable or necessary, depending on the context and the purpose. For example, if you want to improve or innovate something that already exists, you might need to reinvent the wheel to achieve your goal. Or, if you're going to learn or understand something better, you might need to reinvent the wheel to gain more knowledge or experience.

  • How can I avoid "reinventing the wheel"?

By researching and discovering what has already been done or solved by others. You may also ask for advice or feedback from experts or peers with more experience or knowledge. In addition, you can use existing tools or resources that can help you save time and effort. Lastly, you may collaborate with others with similar goals or interests.

  • What is the opposite of "reinventing the wheel"?

The opposite of reinventing the wheel is using or applying something that already exists or works without changing or modifying it.

  • What is a real-life example of "reinventing the wheel"?

A real-life example of reinventing the wheel is when someone tries to create their website from scratch without using existing platforms or templates. This might take a lot of time and effort, resulting in a website that is not as functional or attractive as the one already available. Unless the person has a specific reason or purpose for creating their website from scratch, they might be better off using an existing solution.

  • What is a humorous example of "reinventing the wheel"?

A humorous example of reinventing the wheel is when someone tries to make their own pizza dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings instead of ordering a pizza from a restaurant or buying a ready-made pizza from a store. This might take a lot of time and effort, resulting in a pizza that is not as tasty or satisfying as one already made. Unless the person has a special dietary requirement or preference for making their pizza, they might be better off enjoying an existing pizza.

  • How can I use "reinvent the wheel" in a compliment?

You can use "reinvent the wheel" in a compliment by praising someone for being original, creative, or innovative.

Example: "You reinvented the wheel with this idea. It's brilliant and unique."

  • How can I use "reinvent the wheel" in an insult?

You can use "reinvent the wheel" in an insult by criticizing someone for being unoriginal, inefficient, or unnecessary.

Example: "I hate how you reinvent the wheel with your work. You're so slow and wasteful."

  • How can I use "reinvent the wheel" in a question?

You can use "reinvent the wheel" in a question by asking someone for their opinion, advice, or feedback on something that already exists or works.

Example: "How do you avoid reinventing the wheel with your writing? Do you have any tips or tricks?"

Final Thoughts About "Reinvent the Wheel"

"Reinventing the wheel" is a common idiom that means to waste time and effort trying to create or solve something that already exists or has been translated by someone else.

Some key points about the idiom:

  • It is usually used in a negative way to criticize someone.
  • It can also be used positively to praise someone for being creative.
  • The phrase is of American-English origin and dates back to the 1950s.
  • It has many synonyms and related expressions that have a similar meaning.
  • It can be used in various contexts and situations, such as business, education, technology, and culture.

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