diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/collapsible_match.rs b/clippy_lints/src/collapsible_match.rs
index 604ba10204697..834f294283e37 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/collapsible_match.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/collapsible_match.rs
@@ -1,10 +1,10 @@
 use crate::utils::visitors::LocalUsedVisitor;
-use crate::utils::{span_lint_and_then, SpanlessEq};
+use crate::utils::{path_to_local, span_lint_and_then, SpanlessEq};
 use if_chain::if_chain;
 use rustc_hir::def::{CtorKind, CtorOf, DefKind, Res};
 use rustc_hir::{Arm, Expr, ExprKind, Guard, HirId, Pat, PatKind, QPath, StmtKind, UnOp};
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass};
-use rustc_middle::ty::{DefIdTree, TyCtxt};
+use rustc_middle::ty::{DefIdTree, TyCtxt, TypeckResults};
 use rustc_session::{declare_lint_pass, declare_tool_lint};
 use rustc_span::{MultiSpan, Span};
 
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ fn check_arm(arm: &Arm<'_>, wild_outer_arm: &Arm<'_>, cx: &LateContext<'_>) {
         if arms_inner.iter().all(|arm| arm.guard.is_none());
         // match expression must be a local binding
         // match <local> { .. }
-        if let Some(binding_id) = addr_adjusted_binding(expr_in, cx);
+        if let Some(binding_id) = path_to_local(strip_ref_operators(expr_in, cx.typeck_results()));
         // one of the branches must be "wild-like"
         if let Some(wild_inner_arm_idx) = arms_inner.iter().rposition(|arm_inner| arm_is_wild_like(arm_inner, cx.tcx));
         let (wild_inner_arm, non_wild_inner_arm) =
@@ -175,19 +175,15 @@ fn is_none_ctor(res: Res, tcx: TyCtxt<'_>) -> bool {
     false
 }
 
-/// Retrieves a binding ID with optional `&` and/or `*` operators removed. (e.g. `&**foo`)
-/// Returns `None` if a non-reference type is de-referenced.
-/// For example, if `Vec` is de-referenced to a slice, `None` is returned.
-fn addr_adjusted_binding(mut expr: &Expr<'_>, cx: &LateContext<'_>) -> Option<HirId> {
+/// Removes `AddrOf` operators (`&`) or deref operators (`*`), but only if a reference type is
+/// dereferenced. An overloaded deref such as `Vec` to slice would not be removed.
+fn strip_ref_operators<'hir>(mut expr: &'hir Expr<'hir>, typeck_results: &TypeckResults<'_>) -> &'hir Expr<'hir> {
     loop {
         match expr.kind {
             ExprKind::AddrOf(_, _, e) => expr = e,
-            ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, path)) => match path.res {
-                Res::Local(binding_id) => break Some(binding_id),
-                _ => break None,
-            },
-            ExprKind::Unary(UnOp::UnDeref, e) if cx.typeck_results().expr_ty(e).is_ref() => expr = e,
-            _ => break None,
+            ExprKind::Unary(UnOp::UnDeref, e) if typeck_results.expr_ty(e).is_ref() => expr = e,
+            _ => break,
         }
     }
+    expr
 }
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/eval_order_dependence.rs b/clippy_lints/src/eval_order_dependence.rs
index bc2b2904698c7..83cee11c3a859 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/eval_order_dependence.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/eval_order_dependence.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
-use crate::utils::{get_parent_expr, span_lint, span_lint_and_note};
-use if_chain::if_chain;
+use crate::utils::{get_parent_expr, path_to_local, path_to_local_id, span_lint, span_lint_and_note};
 use rustc_hir::intravisit::{walk_expr, NestedVisitorMap, Visitor};
-use rustc_hir::{def, BinOpKind, Block, Expr, ExprKind, Guard, HirId, Local, Node, QPath, Stmt, StmtKind};
+use rustc_hir::{BinOpKind, Block, Expr, ExprKind, Guard, HirId, Local, Node, Stmt, StmtKind};
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass};
 use rustc_middle::hir::map::Map;
 use rustc_middle::ty;
@@ -72,20 +71,14 @@ impl<'tcx> LateLintPass<'tcx> for EvalOrderDependence {
         // Find a write to a local variable.
         match expr.kind {
             ExprKind::Assign(ref lhs, ..) | ExprKind::AssignOp(_, ref lhs, _) => {
-                if let ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = lhs.kind {
-                    if let QPath::Resolved(_, ref path) = *qpath {
-                        if path.segments.len() == 1 {
-                            if let def::Res::Local(var) = cx.qpath_res(qpath, lhs.hir_id) {
-                                let mut visitor = ReadVisitor {
-                                    cx,
-                                    var,
-                                    write_expr: expr,
-                                    last_expr: expr,
-                                };
-                                check_for_unsequenced_reads(&mut visitor);
-                            }
-                        }
-                    }
+                if let Some(var) = path_to_local(lhs) {
+                    let mut visitor = ReadVisitor {
+                        cx,
+                        var,
+                        write_expr: expr,
+                        last_expr: expr,
+                    };
+                    check_for_unsequenced_reads(&mut visitor);
                 }
             },
             _ => {},
@@ -304,27 +297,20 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for ReadVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
             return;
         }
 
-        match expr.kind {
-            ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) => {
-                if_chain! {
-                    if let QPath::Resolved(None, ref path) = *qpath;
-                    if path.segments.len() == 1;
-                    if let def::Res::Local(local_id) = self.cx.qpath_res(qpath, expr.hir_id);
-                    if local_id == self.var;
-                    // Check that this is a read, not a write.
-                    if !is_in_assignment_position(self.cx, expr);
-                    then {
-                        span_lint_and_note(
-                            self.cx,
-                            EVAL_ORDER_DEPENDENCE,
-                            expr.span,
-                            "unsequenced read of a variable",
-                            Some(self.write_expr.span),
-                            "whether read occurs before this write depends on evaluation order"
-                        );
-                    }
-                }
+        if path_to_local_id(expr, self.var) {
+            // Check that this is a read, not a write.
+            if !is_in_assignment_position(self.cx, expr) {
+                span_lint_and_note(
+                    self.cx,
+                    EVAL_ORDER_DEPENDENCE,
+                    expr.span,
+                    "unsequenced read of a variable",
+                    Some(self.write_expr.span),
+                    "whether read occurs before this write depends on evaluation order",
+                );
             }
+        }
+        match expr.kind {
             // We're about to descend a closure. Since we don't know when (or
             // if) the closure will be evaluated, any reads in it might not
             // occur here (or ever). Like above, bail to avoid false positives.
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/functions.rs b/clippy_lints/src/functions.rs
index 8795425461033..8344d97472890 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/functions.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/functions.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use crate::utils::{
     attr_by_name, attrs::is_proc_macro, is_must_use_ty, is_trait_impl_item, is_type_diagnostic_item, iter_input_pats,
-    last_path_segment, match_def_path, must_use_attr, return_ty, snippet, snippet_opt, span_lint, span_lint_and_help,
-    span_lint_and_then, trait_ref_of_method, type_is_unsafe_function,
+    last_path_segment, match_def_path, must_use_attr, path_to_local, return_ty, snippet, snippet_opt, span_lint,
+    span_lint_and_help, span_lint_and_then, trait_ref_of_method, type_is_unsafe_function,
 };
 use if_chain::if_chain;
 use rustc_ast::ast::Attribute;
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ use rustc_data_structures::fx::FxHashSet;
 use rustc_errors::Applicability;
 use rustc_hir as hir;
 use rustc_hir::intravisit;
-use rustc_hir::{def::Res, def_id::DefId};
+use rustc_hir::{def::Res, def_id::DefId, QPath};
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass, LintContext};
 use rustc_middle::hir::map::Map;
 use rustc_middle::lint::in_external_macro;
@@ -658,16 +658,14 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> intravisit::Visitor<'tcx> for DerefVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
 
 impl<'a, 'tcx> DerefVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
     fn check_arg(&self, ptr: &hir::Expr<'_>) {
-        if let hir::ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = ptr.kind {
-            if let Res::Local(id) = self.cx.qpath_res(qpath, ptr.hir_id) {
-                if self.ptrs.contains(&id) {
-                    span_lint(
-                        self.cx,
-                        NOT_UNSAFE_PTR_ARG_DEREF,
-                        ptr.span,
-                        "this public function dereferences a raw pointer but is not marked `unsafe`",
-                    );
-                }
+        if let Some(id) = path_to_local(ptr) {
+            if self.ptrs.contains(&id) {
+                span_lint(
+                    self.cx,
+                    NOT_UNSAFE_PTR_ARG_DEREF,
+                    ptr.span,
+                    "this public function dereferences a raw pointer but is not marked `unsafe`",
+                );
             }
         }
     }
@@ -698,7 +696,7 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> intravisit::Visitor<'tcx> for StaticMutVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
                             arg.span,
                             &mut tys,
                         )
-                        && is_mutated_static(self.cx, arg)
+                        && is_mutated_static(arg)
                     {
                         self.mutates_static = true;
                         return;
@@ -707,7 +705,7 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> intravisit::Visitor<'tcx> for StaticMutVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
                 }
             },
             Assign(ref target, ..) | AssignOp(_, ref target, _) | AddrOf(_, hir::Mutability::Mut, ref target) => {
-                self.mutates_static |= is_mutated_static(self.cx, target)
+                self.mutates_static |= is_mutated_static(target)
             },
             _ => {},
         }
@@ -718,12 +716,13 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> intravisit::Visitor<'tcx> for StaticMutVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
     }
 }
 
-fn is_mutated_static(cx: &LateContext<'_>, e: &hir::Expr<'_>) -> bool {
+fn is_mutated_static(e: &hir::Expr<'_>) -> bool {
     use hir::ExprKind::{Field, Index, Path};
 
     match e.kind {
-        Path(ref qpath) => !matches!(cx.qpath_res(qpath, e.hir_id), Res::Local(_)),
-        Field(ref inner, _) | Index(ref inner, _) => is_mutated_static(cx, inner),
+        Path(QPath::Resolved(_, path)) => !matches!(path.res, Res::Local(_)),
+        Path(_) => true,
+        Field(ref inner, _) | Index(ref inner, _) => is_mutated_static(inner),
         _ => false,
     }
 }
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/let_if_seq.rs b/clippy_lints/src/let_if_seq.rs
index 5886c2360e362..6beaa51729a02 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/let_if_seq.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/let_if_seq.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,7 @@
-use crate::utils::{snippet, span_lint_and_then, visitors::LocalUsedVisitor};
+use crate::utils::{path_to_local_id, snippet, span_lint_and_then, visitors::LocalUsedVisitor};
 use if_chain::if_chain;
 use rustc_errors::Applicability;
 use rustc_hir as hir;
-use rustc_hir::def::Res;
 use rustc_hir::BindingAnnotation;
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass};
 use rustc_session::{declare_lint_pass, declare_tool_lint};
@@ -66,7 +65,7 @@ impl<'tcx> LateLintPass<'tcx> for LetIfSeq {
                 if let hir::ExprKind::If(ref cond, ref then, ref else_) = if_.kind;
                 if !LocalUsedVisitor::new(canonical_id).check_expr(cond);
                 if let hir::ExprKind::Block(ref then, _) = then.kind;
-                if let Some(value) = check_assign(cx, canonical_id, &*then);
+                if let Some(value) = check_assign(canonical_id, &*then);
                 if !LocalUsedVisitor::new(canonical_id).check_expr(value);
                 then {
                     let span = stmt.span.to(if_.span);
@@ -79,7 +78,7 @@ impl<'tcx> LateLintPass<'tcx> for LetIfSeq {
 
                     let (default_multi_stmts, default) = if let Some(ref else_) = *else_ {
                         if let hir::ExprKind::Block(ref else_, _) = else_.kind {
-                            if let Some(default) = check_assign(cx, canonical_id, else_) {
+                            if let Some(default) = check_assign(canonical_id, else_) {
                                 (else_.stmts.len() > 1, default)
                             } else if let Some(ref default) = local.init {
                                 (true, &**default)
@@ -134,19 +133,13 @@ impl<'tcx> LateLintPass<'tcx> for LetIfSeq {
     }
 }
 
-fn check_assign<'tcx>(
-    cx: &LateContext<'tcx>,
-    decl: hir::HirId,
-    block: &'tcx hir::Block<'_>,
-) -> Option<&'tcx hir::Expr<'tcx>> {
+fn check_assign<'tcx>(decl: hir::HirId, block: &'tcx hir::Block<'_>) -> Option<&'tcx hir::Expr<'tcx>> {
     if_chain! {
         if block.expr.is_none();
         if let Some(expr) = block.stmts.iter().last();
         if let hir::StmtKind::Semi(ref expr) = expr.kind;
         if let hir::ExprKind::Assign(ref var, ref value, _) = expr.kind;
-        if let hir::ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = var.kind;
-        if let Res::Local(local_id) = cx.qpath_res(qpath, var.hir_id);
-        if decl == local_id;
+        if path_to_local_id(var, decl);
         then {
             let mut v = LocalUsedVisitor::new(decl);
 
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/loops.rs b/clippy_lints/src/loops.rs
index 663c2df23e22b..d202072e920dc 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/loops.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/loops.rs
@@ -1,14 +1,13 @@
 use crate::consts::constant;
-use crate::utils::paths;
 use crate::utils::sugg::Sugg;
-use crate::utils::usage::{is_unused, mutated_variables};
+use crate::utils::usage::mutated_variables;
 use crate::utils::visitors::LocalUsedVisitor;
 use crate::utils::{
     contains_name, get_enclosing_block, get_parent_expr, get_trait_def_id, has_iter_method, higher, implements_trait,
     indent_of, is_in_panic_handler, is_integer_const, is_no_std_crate, is_ok_ctor, is_refutable, is_some_ctor,
-    is_type_diagnostic_item, last_path_segment, match_trait_method, match_type, match_var, multispan_sugg,
-    single_segment_path, snippet, snippet_with_applicability, snippet_with_macro_callsite, span_lint,
-    span_lint_and_help, span_lint_and_sugg, span_lint_and_then, sugg, SpanlessEq,
+    is_type_diagnostic_item, last_path_segment, match_trait_method, match_type, multispan_sugg, path_to_local,
+    path_to_local_id, paths, single_segment_path, snippet, snippet_with_applicability, snippet_with_macro_callsite,
+    span_lint, span_lint_and_help, span_lint_and_sugg, span_lint_and_then, sugg, SpanlessEq,
 };
 use if_chain::if_chain;
 use rustc_ast::ast;
@@ -877,21 +876,6 @@ fn get_span_of_entire_for_loop(expr: &Expr<'_>) -> Span {
     }
 }
 
-fn same_var<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, expr: &Expr<'_>, var: HirId) -> bool {
-    if_chain! {
-        if let ExprKind::Path(qpath) = &expr.kind;
-        if let QPath::Resolved(None, path) = qpath;
-        if path.segments.len() == 1;
-        if let Res::Local(local_id) = cx.qpath_res(qpath, expr.hir_id);
-        then {
-            // our variable!
-            local_id == var
-        } else {
-            false
-        }
-    }
-}
-
 /// a wrapper of `Sugg`. Besides what `Sugg` do, this removes unnecessary `0`;
 /// and also, it avoids subtracting a variable from the same one by replacing it with `0`.
 /// it exists for the convenience of the overloaded operators while normal functions can do the
@@ -1044,14 +1028,9 @@ fn get_details_from_idx<'tcx>(
     idx: &Expr<'_>,
     starts: &[Start<'tcx>],
 ) -> Option<(StartKind<'tcx>, Offset)> {
-    fn get_start<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, e: &Expr<'_>, starts: &[Start<'tcx>]) -> Option<StartKind<'tcx>> {
-        starts.iter().find_map(|start| {
-            if same_var(cx, e, start.id) {
-                Some(start.kind)
-            } else {
-                None
-            }
-        })
+    fn get_start<'tcx>(e: &Expr<'_>, starts: &[Start<'tcx>]) -> Option<StartKind<'tcx>> {
+        let id = path_to_local(e)?;
+        starts.iter().find(|start| start.id == id).map(|start| start.kind)
     }
 
     fn get_offset<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, e: &Expr<'_>, starts: &[Start<'tcx>]) -> Option<Sugg<'static>> {
@@ -1060,7 +1039,7 @@ fn get_details_from_idx<'tcx>(
                 ast::LitKind::Int(x, _ty) => Some(Sugg::NonParen(x.to_string().into())),
                 _ => None,
             },
-            ExprKind::Path(..) if get_start(cx, e, starts).is_none() => Some(Sugg::hir(cx, e, "???")),
+            ExprKind::Path(..) if get_start(e, starts).is_none() => Some(Sugg::hir(cx, e, "???")),
             _ => None,
         }
     }
@@ -1068,18 +1047,18 @@ fn get_details_from_idx<'tcx>(
     match idx.kind {
         ExprKind::Binary(op, lhs, rhs) => match op.node {
             BinOpKind::Add => {
-                let offset_opt = get_start(cx, lhs, starts)
+                let offset_opt = get_start(lhs, starts)
                     .and_then(|s| get_offset(cx, rhs, starts).map(|o| (s, o)))
-                    .or_else(|| get_start(cx, rhs, starts).and_then(|s| get_offset(cx, lhs, starts).map(|o| (s, o))));
+                    .or_else(|| get_start(rhs, starts).and_then(|s| get_offset(cx, lhs, starts).map(|o| (s, o))));
 
                 offset_opt.map(|(s, o)| (s, Offset::positive(o)))
             },
             BinOpKind::Sub => {
-                get_start(cx, lhs, starts).and_then(|s| get_offset(cx, rhs, starts).map(|o| (s, Offset::negative(o))))
+                get_start(lhs, starts).and_then(|s| get_offset(cx, rhs, starts).map(|o| (s, Offset::negative(o))))
             },
             _ => None,
         },
-        ExprKind::Path(..) => get_start(cx, idx, starts).map(|s| (s, Offset::empty())),
+        ExprKind::Path(..) => get_start(idx, starts).map(|s| (s, Offset::empty())),
         _ => None,
     }
 }
@@ -1096,11 +1075,10 @@ fn get_assignment<'tcx>(e: &'tcx Expr<'tcx>) -> Option<(&'tcx Expr<'tcx>, &'tcx
 /// The returned iterator yields `None` if no assignment expressions are there,
 /// filtering out the increments of the given whitelisted loop counters;
 /// because its job is to make sure there's nothing other than assignments and the increments.
-fn get_assignments<'a: 'c, 'tcx: 'c, 'c>(
-    cx: &'a LateContext<'tcx>,
+fn get_assignments<'a, 'tcx>(
     Block { stmts, expr, .. }: &'tcx Block<'tcx>,
-    loop_counters: &'c [Start<'tcx>],
-) -> impl Iterator<Item = Option<(&'tcx Expr<'tcx>, &'tcx Expr<'tcx>)>> + 'c {
+    loop_counters: &'a [Start<'tcx>],
+) -> impl Iterator<Item = Option<(&'tcx Expr<'tcx>, &'tcx Expr<'tcx>)>> + 'a {
     // As the `filter` and `map` below do different things, I think putting together
     // just increases complexity. (cc #3188 and #4193)
     stmts
@@ -1112,12 +1090,14 @@ fn get_assignments<'a: 'c, 'tcx: 'c, 'c>(
         .chain((*expr).into_iter())
         .filter(move |e| {
             if let ExprKind::AssignOp(_, place, _) = e.kind {
-                !loop_counters
-                    .iter()
-                    // skip the first item which should be `StartKind::Range`
-                    // this makes it possible to use the slice with `StartKind::Range` in the same iterator loop.
-                    .skip(1)
-                    .any(|counter| same_var(cx, place, counter.id))
+                path_to_local(place).map_or(false, |id| {
+                    !loop_counters
+                        .iter()
+                        // skip the first item which should be `StartKind::Range`
+                        // this makes it possible to use the slice with `StartKind::Range` in the same iterator loop.
+                        .skip(1)
+                        .any(|counter| counter.id == id)
+                })
             } else {
                 true
             }
@@ -1174,7 +1154,7 @@ fn build_manual_memcpy_suggestion<'tcx>(
             if method.ident.name == sym!(len);
             if len_args.len() == 1;
             if let Some(arg) = len_args.get(0);
-            if var_def_id(cx, arg) == var_def_id(cx, base);
+            if path_to_local(arg) == path_to_local(base);
             then {
                 if sugg.as_str() == end_str {
                     sugg::EMPTY.into()
@@ -1279,7 +1259,7 @@ fn detect_manual_memcpy<'tcx>(
                 if let Some(loop_counters) = get_loop_counters(cx, block, expr) {
                     starts.extend(loop_counters);
                 }
-                iter_a = Some(get_assignments(cx, block, &starts));
+                iter_a = Some(get_assignments(block, &starts));
             } else {
                 iter_b = Some(get_assignment(body));
             }
@@ -1301,7 +1281,7 @@ fn detect_manual_memcpy<'tcx>(
                             if let Some((start_right, offset_right)) = get_details_from_idx(cx, &idx_right, &starts);
 
                             // Source and destination must be different
-                            if var_def_id(cx, base_left) != var_def_id(cx, base_right);
+                            if path_to_local(base_left) != path_to_local(base_right);
                             then {
                                 Some((IndexExpr { base: base_left, idx: start_left, idx_offset: offset_left },
                                     IndexExpr { base: base_right, idx: start_right, idx_offset: offset_right }))
@@ -2018,9 +1998,7 @@ fn check_manual_flatten<'tcx>(
             ) = inner_expr.kind;
             // Ensure match_expr in `if let` statement is the same as the pat from the for-loop
             if let PatKind::Binding(_, pat_hir_id, _, _) = pat.kind;
-            if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, match_expr_path)) = match_expr.kind;
-            if let Res::Local(match_expr_path_id) = match_expr_path.res;
-            if pat_hir_id == match_expr_path_id;
+            if path_to_local_id(match_expr, pat_hir_id);
             // Ensure the `if let` statement is for the `Some` variant of `Option` or the `Ok` variant of `Result`
             if let PatKind::TupleStruct(QPath::Resolved(None, path), _, _) = match_arms[0].pat.kind;
             let some_ctor = is_some_ctor(cx, path.res);
@@ -2131,20 +2109,11 @@ fn mut_warn_with_span(cx: &LateContext<'_>, span: Option<Span>) {
 
 fn check_for_mutability(cx: &LateContext<'_>, bound: &Expr<'_>) -> Option<HirId> {
     if_chain! {
-        if let ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = bound.kind;
-        if let QPath::Resolved(None, _) = *qpath;
+        if let Some(hir_id) = path_to_local(bound);
+        if let Node::Binding(pat) = cx.tcx.hir().get(hir_id);
+        if let PatKind::Binding(BindingAnnotation::Mutable, ..) = pat.kind;
         then {
-            let res = cx.qpath_res(qpath, bound.hir_id);
-            if let Res::Local(hir_id) = res {
-                let node_str = cx.tcx.hir().get(hir_id);
-                if_chain! {
-                    if let Node::Binding(pat) = node_str;
-                    if let PatKind::Binding(BindingAnnotation::Mutable, ..) = pat.kind;
-                    then {
-                        return Some(hir_id);
-                    }
-                }
-            }
+            return Some(hir_id);
         }
     }
     None
@@ -2179,7 +2148,9 @@ fn check_for_mutation<'tcx>(
 fn pat_is_wild<'tcx>(pat: &'tcx PatKind<'_>, body: &'tcx Expr<'_>) -> bool {
     match *pat {
         PatKind::Wild => true,
-        PatKind::Binding(.., ident, None) if ident.as_str().starts_with('_') => is_unused(&ident, body),
+        PatKind::Binding(_, id, ident, None) if ident.as_str().starts_with('_') => {
+            !LocalUsedVisitor::new(id).check_expr(body)
+        },
         _ => false,
     }
 }
@@ -2215,7 +2186,7 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> VarVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
             if let QPath::Resolved(None, ref seqvar) = *seqpath;
             if seqvar.segments.len() == 1;
             then {
-                let index_used_directly = same_var(self.cx, idx, self.var);
+                let index_used_directly = path_to_local_id(idx, self.var);
                 let indexed_indirectly = {
                     let mut used_visitor = LocalUsedVisitor::new(self.var);
                     walk_expr(&mut used_visitor, idx);
@@ -2286,17 +2257,14 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for VarVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
 
         if_chain! {
             // directly using a variable
-            if let ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = expr.kind;
-            if let QPath::Resolved(None, ref path) = *qpath;
-            if path.segments.len() == 1;
+            if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, path)) = expr.kind;
+            if let Res::Local(local_id) = path.res;
             then {
-                if let Res::Local(local_id) = self.cx.qpath_res(qpath, expr.hir_id) {
-                    if local_id == self.var {
-                        self.nonindex = true;
-                    } else {
-                        // not the correct variable, but still a variable
-                        self.referenced.insert(path.segments[0].ident.name);
-                    }
+                if local_id == self.var {
+                    self.nonindex = true;
+                } else {
+                    // not the correct variable, but still a variable
+                    self.referenced.insert(path.segments[0].ident.name);
                 }
             }
         }
@@ -2354,7 +2322,7 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for VarVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
 }
 
 fn is_used_inside<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, expr: &'tcx Expr<'_>, container: &'tcx Expr<'_>) -> bool {
-    let def_id = match var_def_id(cx, expr) {
+    let def_id = match path_to_local(expr) {
         Some(id) => id,
         None => return false,
     };
@@ -2367,12 +2335,11 @@ fn is_used_inside<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, expr: &'tcx Expr<'_>, container:
 }
 
 fn is_iterator_used_after_while_let<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, iter_expr: &'tcx Expr<'_>) -> bool {
-    let def_id = match var_def_id(cx, iter_expr) {
+    let def_id = match path_to_local(iter_expr) {
         Some(id) => id,
         None => return false,
     };
     let mut visitor = VarUsedAfterLoopVisitor {
-        cx,
         def_id,
         iter_expr_id: iter_expr.hir_id,
         past_while_let: false,
@@ -2384,20 +2351,19 @@ fn is_iterator_used_after_while_let<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, iter_expr: &'t
     visitor.var_used_after_while_let
 }
 
-struct VarUsedAfterLoopVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
-    cx: &'a LateContext<'tcx>,
+struct VarUsedAfterLoopVisitor {
     def_id: HirId,
     iter_expr_id: HirId,
     past_while_let: bool,
     var_used_after_while_let: bool,
 }
 
-impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for VarUsedAfterLoopVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
+impl<'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for VarUsedAfterLoopVisitor {
     type Map = Map<'tcx>;
 
     fn visit_expr(&mut self, expr: &'tcx Expr<'_>) {
         if self.past_while_let {
-            if Some(self.def_id) == var_def_id(self.cx, expr) {
+            if path_to_local_id(expr, self.def_id) {
                 self.var_used_after_while_let = true;
             }
         } else if self.iter_expr_id == expr.hir_id {
@@ -2519,7 +2485,7 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for IncrementVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
         }
 
         // If node is a variable
-        if let Some(def_id) = var_def_id(self.cx, expr) {
+        if let Some(def_id) = path_to_local(expr) {
             if let Some(parent) = get_parent_expr(self.cx, expr) {
                 let state = self.states.entry(def_id).or_insert(IncrementVisitorVarState::Initial);
                 if *state == IncrementVisitorVarState::IncrOnce {
@@ -2646,7 +2612,7 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for InitializeVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
         }
 
         // If node is the desired variable, see how it's used
-        if var_def_id(self.cx, expr) == Some(self.var_id) {
+        if path_to_local_id(expr, self.var_id) {
             if self.past_loop {
                 self.state = InitializeVisitorState::DontWarn;
                 return;
@@ -2693,16 +2659,6 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for InitializeVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
     }
 }
 
-fn var_def_id(cx: &LateContext<'_>, expr: &Expr<'_>) -> Option<HirId> {
-    if let ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = expr.kind {
-        let path_res = cx.qpath_res(qpath, expr.hir_id);
-        if let Res::Local(hir_id) = path_res {
-            return Some(hir_id);
-        }
-    }
-    None
-}
-
 fn is_loop(expr: &Expr<'_>) -> bool {
     matches!(expr.kind, ExprKind::Loop(..))
 }
@@ -2725,8 +2681,8 @@ fn is_nested(cx: &LateContext<'_>, match_expr: &Expr<'_>, iter_expr: &Expr<'_>)
 
 fn is_loop_nested(cx: &LateContext<'_>, loop_expr: &Expr<'_>, iter_expr: &Expr<'_>) -> bool {
     let mut id = loop_expr.hir_id;
-    let iter_name = if let Some(name) = path_name(iter_expr) {
-        name
+    let iter_id = if let Some(id) = path_to_local(iter_expr) {
+        id
     } else {
         return true;
     };
@@ -2744,7 +2700,7 @@ fn is_loop_nested(cx: &LateContext<'_>, loop_expr: &Expr<'_>, iter_expr: &Expr<'
             Some(Node::Block(block)) => {
                 let mut block_visitor = LoopNestVisitor {
                     hir_id: id,
-                    iterator: iter_name,
+                    iterator: iter_id,
                     nesting: Unknown,
                 };
                 walk_block(&mut block_visitor, block);
@@ -2772,7 +2728,7 @@ use self::Nesting::{LookFurther, RuledOut, Unknown};
 
 struct LoopNestVisitor {
     hir_id: HirId,
-    iterator: Symbol,
+    iterator: HirId,
     nesting: Nesting,
 }
 
@@ -2797,7 +2753,7 @@ impl<'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for LoopNestVisitor {
         }
         match expr.kind {
             ExprKind::Assign(ref path, _, _) | ExprKind::AssignOp(_, ref path, _) => {
-                if match_var(path, self.iterator) {
+                if path_to_local_id(path, self.iterator) {
                     self.nesting = RuledOut;
                 }
             },
@@ -2809,8 +2765,8 @@ impl<'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for LoopNestVisitor {
         if self.nesting != Unknown {
             return;
         }
-        if let PatKind::Binding(.., span_name, _) = pat.kind {
-            if self.iterator == span_name.name {
+        if let PatKind::Binding(_, id, ..) = pat.kind {
+            if id == self.iterator {
                 self.nesting = RuledOut;
                 return;
             }
@@ -2823,16 +2779,6 @@ impl<'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for LoopNestVisitor {
     }
 }
 
-fn path_name(e: &Expr<'_>) -> Option<Symbol> {
-    if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(_, ref path)) = e.kind {
-        let segments = &path.segments;
-        if segments.len() == 1 {
-            return Some(segments[0].ident.name);
-        }
-    };
-    None
-}
-
 fn check_infinite_loop<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, cond: &'tcx Expr<'_>, expr: &'tcx Expr<'_>) {
     if constant(cx, cx.typeck_results(), cond).is_some() {
         // A pure constant condition (e.g., `while false`) is not linted.
@@ -3194,7 +3140,7 @@ impl<'a, 'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for UsedCountVisitor<'a, 'tcx> {
     type Map = Map<'tcx>;
 
     fn visit_expr(&mut self, expr: &'tcx Expr<'_>) {
-        if same_var(self.cx, expr, self.id) {
+        if path_to_local_id(expr, self.id) {
             self.count += 1;
         } else {
             walk_expr(self, expr);
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/manual_ok_or.rs b/clippy_lints/src/manual_ok_or.rs
index 8c77e155b70ce..efb05b8ffdf4f 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/manual_ok_or.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/manual_ok_or.rs
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 use crate::utils::{
-    indent_of, is_type_diagnostic_item, match_qpath, paths, reindent_multiline, snippet_opt, span_lint_and_sugg,
+    indent_of, is_type_diagnostic_item, match_qpath, path_to_local_id, paths, reindent_multiline, snippet_opt,
+    span_lint_and_sugg,
 };
 use if_chain::if_chain;
 use rustc_errors::Applicability;
-use rustc_hir::{def, Expr, ExprKind, PatKind, QPath};
+use rustc_hir::{Expr, ExprKind, PatKind};
 use rustc_lint::LintContext;
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass};
 use rustc_middle::lint::in_external_macro;
@@ -90,8 +91,6 @@ fn is_ok_wrapping(cx: &LateContext<'_>, map_expr: &Expr<'_>) -> bool {
         if let PatKind::Binding(_, param_id, ..) = body.params[0].pat.kind;
         if let ExprKind::Call(Expr { kind: ExprKind::Path(ok_path), .. }, &[ref ok_arg]) = body.value.kind;
         if match_qpath(ok_path, &paths::RESULT_OK);
-        if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(_, ok_arg_path)) = ok_arg.kind;
-        if let def::Res::Local(ok_arg_path_id) = ok_arg_path.res;
-        then { param_id == ok_arg_path_id } else { false }
+        then { path_to_local_id(ok_arg, param_id) } else { false }
     }
 }
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/manual_unwrap_or.rs b/clippy_lints/src/manual_unwrap_or.rs
index 9e2c6c7f231da..b452225b5db6c 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/manual_unwrap_or.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/manual_unwrap_or.rs
@@ -1,9 +1,9 @@
 use crate::consts::constant_simple;
 use crate::utils;
-use crate::utils::sugg;
+use crate::utils::{path_to_local_id, sugg};
 use if_chain::if_chain;
 use rustc_errors::Applicability;
-use rustc_hir::{def, Arm, Expr, ExprKind, Pat, PatKind, QPath};
+use rustc_hir::{Arm, Expr, ExprKind, Pat, PatKind};
 use rustc_lint::LintContext;
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass};
 use rustc_middle::lint::in_external_macro;
@@ -83,9 +83,7 @@ fn lint_manual_unwrap_or<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, expr: &'tcx Expr<'tcx>) {
             if utils::match_qpath(unwrap_qpath, &utils::paths::OPTION_SOME)
                 || utils::match_qpath(unwrap_qpath, &utils::paths::RESULT_OK);
             if let PatKind::Binding(_, binding_hir_id, ..) = unwrap_pat.kind;
-            if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(_, body_path)) = unwrap_arm.body.kind;
-            if let def::Res::Local(body_path_hir_id) = body_path.res;
-            if body_path_hir_id == binding_hir_id;
+            if path_to_local_id(unwrap_arm.body, binding_hir_id);
             if !utils::usage::contains_return_break_continue_macro(or_arm.body);
             then {
                 Some(or_arm)
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/matches.rs b/clippy_lints/src/matches.rs
index ba7b9bd04248d..c4aa2b30e7b52 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/matches.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/matches.rs
@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 use crate::consts::{constant, miri_to_const, Constant};
 use crate::utils::sugg::Sugg;
-use crate::utils::usage::is_unused;
+use crate::utils::visitors::LocalUsedVisitor;
 use crate::utils::{
-    expr_block, get_arg_name, get_parent_expr, implements_trait, in_macro, indent_of, is_allowed, is_expn_of,
-    is_refutable, is_type_diagnostic_item, is_wild, match_qpath, match_type, match_var, meets_msrv, multispan_sugg,
+    expr_block, get_parent_expr, implements_trait, in_macro, indent_of, is_allowed, is_expn_of, is_refutable,
+    is_type_diagnostic_item, is_wild, match_qpath, match_type, meets_msrv, multispan_sugg, path_to_local_id,
     peel_hir_pat_refs, peel_mid_ty_refs, peel_n_hir_expr_refs, remove_blocks, snippet, snippet_block, snippet_opt,
     snippet_with_applicability, span_lint_and_help, span_lint_and_note, span_lint_and_sugg, span_lint_and_then,
+    strip_pat_refs,
 };
 use crate::utils::{paths, search_same, SpanlessEq, SpanlessHash};
 use if_chain::if_chain;
@@ -616,9 +617,9 @@ impl<'tcx> LateLintPass<'tcx> for Matches {
             if let PatKind::TupleStruct(
                 QPath::Resolved(None, ref variant_name), ref args, _) = arms[0].pat.kind;
             if args.len() == 1;
-            if let Some(arg) = get_arg_name(&args[0]);
+            if let PatKind::Binding(_, arg, ..) = strip_pat_refs(&args[0]).kind;
             let body = remove_blocks(&arms[0].body);
-            if match_var(body, arg);
+            if path_to_local_id(body, arg);
 
             then {
                 let mut applicability = Applicability::MachineApplicable;
@@ -922,8 +923,8 @@ fn check_wild_err_arm(cx: &LateContext<'_>, ex: &Expr<'_>, arms: &[Arm<'_>]) {
                     if !matching_wild {
                         // Looking for unused bindings (i.e.: `_e`)
                         inner.iter().for_each(|pat| {
-                            if let PatKind::Binding(.., ident, None) = &pat.kind {
-                                if ident.as_str().starts_with('_') && is_unused(ident, arm.body) {
+                            if let PatKind::Binding(_, id, ident, None) = pat.kind {
+                                if ident.as_str().starts_with('_') && !LocalUsedVisitor::new(id).check_expr(arm.body) {
                                     ident_bind_name = (&ident.name.as_str()).to_string();
                                     matching_wild = true;
                                 }
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/methods/mod.rs b/clippy_lints/src/methods/mod.rs
index a17c5996293e9..3dc4cd278e6b2 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/methods/mod.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/methods/mod.rs
@@ -15,8 +15,7 @@ use if_chain::if_chain;
 use rustc_ast::ast;
 use rustc_errors::Applicability;
 use rustc_hir as hir;
-use rustc_hir::def::Res;
-use rustc_hir::{Expr, ExprKind, PatKind, QPath, TraitItem, TraitItemKind, UnOp};
+use rustc_hir::{Expr, ExprKind, PatKind, TraitItem, TraitItemKind, UnOp};
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass, Lint, LintContext};
 use rustc_middle::lint::in_external_macro;
 use rustc_middle::ty::{self, TraitRef, Ty, TyS};
@@ -30,12 +29,12 @@ use crate::consts::{constant, Constant};
 use crate::utils::eager_or_lazy::is_lazyness_candidate;
 use crate::utils::usage::mutated_variables;
 use crate::utils::{
-    contains_return, contains_ty, get_arg_name, get_parent_expr, get_trait_def_id, has_iter_method, higher,
-    implements_trait, in_macro, is_copy, is_expn_of, is_type_diagnostic_item, iter_input_pats, last_path_segment,
-    match_def_path, match_qpath, match_trait_method, match_type, match_var, meets_msrv, method_calls,
-    method_chain_args, paths, remove_blocks, return_ty, single_segment_path, snippet, snippet_with_applicability,
-    snippet_with_macro_callsite, span_lint, span_lint_and_help, span_lint_and_sugg, span_lint_and_then, sugg,
-    walk_ptrs_ty_depth, SpanlessEq,
+    contains_return, contains_ty, get_parent_expr, get_trait_def_id, has_iter_method, higher, implements_trait,
+    in_macro, is_copy, is_expn_of, is_type_diagnostic_item, iter_input_pats, last_path_segment, match_def_path,
+    match_qpath, match_trait_method, match_type, meets_msrv, method_calls, method_chain_args, path_to_local_id, paths,
+    remove_blocks, return_ty, single_segment_path, snippet, snippet_with_applicability, snippet_with_macro_callsite,
+    span_lint, span_lint_and_help, span_lint_and_sugg, span_lint_and_then, strip_pat_refs, sugg, walk_ptrs_ty_depth,
+    SpanlessEq,
 };
 
 declare_clippy_lint! {
@@ -2396,11 +2395,12 @@ fn lint_unnecessary_fold(cx: &LateContext<'_>, expr: &hir::Expr<'_>, fold_args:
             if bin_op.node == op;
 
             // Extract the names of the two arguments to the closure
-            if let Some(first_arg_ident) = get_arg_name(&closure_body.params[0].pat);
-            if let Some(second_arg_ident) = get_arg_name(&closure_body.params[1].pat);
+            if let [param_a, param_b] = closure_body.params;
+            if let PatKind::Binding(_, first_arg_id, ..) = strip_pat_refs(&param_a.pat).kind;
+            if let PatKind::Binding(_, second_arg_id, second_arg_ident, _) = strip_pat_refs(&param_b.pat).kind;
 
-            if match_var(&*left_expr, first_arg_ident);
-            if replacement_has_args || match_var(&*right_expr, second_arg_ident);
+            if path_to_local_id(left_expr, first_arg_id);
+            if replacement_has_args || path_to_local_id(right_expr, second_arg_id);
 
             then {
                 let mut applicability = Applicability::MachineApplicable;
@@ -3068,10 +3068,8 @@ fn lint_filter_map<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, expr: &'tcx hir::Expr<'_>, is_f
             };
             // let the filter closure arg and the map closure arg be equal
             if_chain! {
-                if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, a_path)) = a_path.kind;
-                if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, b_path)) = b.kind;
-                if a_path.res == Res::Local(filter_param_id);
-                if b_path.res == Res::Local(map_param_id);
+                if path_to_local_id(a_path, filter_param_id);
+                if path_to_local_id(b, map_param_id);
                 if TyS::same_type(cx.typeck_results().expr_ty_adjusted(a), cx.typeck_results().expr_ty_adjusted(b));
                 then {
                     return true;
@@ -3255,8 +3253,9 @@ fn lint_search_is_some<'tcx>(
                 then {
                     if let hir::PatKind::Ref(..) = closure_arg.pat.kind {
                         Some(search_snippet.replacen('&', "", 1))
-                    } else if let Some(name) = get_arg_name(&closure_arg.pat) {
-                        Some(search_snippet.replace(&format!("*{}", name), &name.as_str()))
+                    } else if let PatKind::Binding(_, _, ident, _) = strip_pat_refs(&closure_arg.pat).kind {
+                        let name = &*ident.name.as_str();
+                        Some(search_snippet.replace(&format!("*{}", name), name))
                     } else {
                         None
                     }
@@ -3688,9 +3687,7 @@ fn lint_option_as_ref_deref<'tcx>(
                 hir::ExprKind::MethodCall(_, _, args, _) => {
                     if_chain! {
                         if args.len() == 1;
-                        if let hir::ExprKind::Path(qpath) = &args[0].kind;
-                        if let hir::def::Res::Local(local_id) = cx.qpath_res(qpath, args[0].hir_id);
-                        if closure_body.params[0].pat.hir_id == local_id;
+                        if path_to_local_id(&args[0], closure_body.params[0].pat.hir_id);
                         let adj = cx
                             .typeck_results()
                             .expr_adjustments(&args[0])
@@ -3710,10 +3707,8 @@ fn lint_option_as_ref_deref<'tcx>(
                     if_chain! {
                         if let hir::ExprKind::Unary(hir::UnOp::UnDeref, ref inner1) = inner.kind;
                         if let hir::ExprKind::Unary(hir::UnOp::UnDeref, ref inner2) = inner1.kind;
-                        if let hir::ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = inner2.kind;
-                        if let hir::def::Res::Local(local_id) = cx.qpath_res(qpath, inner2.hir_id);
                         then {
-                            closure_body.params[0].pat.hir_id == local_id
+                            path_to_local_id(inner2, closure_body.params[0].pat.hir_id)
                         } else {
                             false
                         }
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/methods/unnecessary_filter_map.rs b/clippy_lints/src/methods/unnecessary_filter_map.rs
index d98e6160d3085..5691fcb88e95c 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/methods/unnecessary_filter_map.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/methods/unnecessary_filter_map.rs
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
-use crate::utils::paths;
 use crate::utils::usage::mutated_variables;
-use crate::utils::{match_qpath, match_trait_method, span_lint};
+use crate::utils::{match_qpath, match_trait_method, path_to_local_id, paths, span_lint};
 use rustc_hir as hir;
-use rustc_hir::def::Res;
 use rustc_hir::intravisit::{walk_expr, NestedVisitorMap, Visitor};
 use rustc_lint::LateContext;
 use rustc_middle::hir::map::Map;
@@ -59,14 +57,8 @@ fn check_expression<'tcx>(cx: &LateContext<'tcx>, arg_id: hir::HirId, expr: &'tc
                 if let hir::ExprKind::Path(ref path) = func.kind;
                 then {
                     if match_qpath(path, &paths::OPTION_SOME) {
-                        if_chain! {
-                            if let hir::ExprKind::Path(path) = &args[0].kind;
-                            if let Res::Local(ref local) = cx.qpath_res(path, args[0].hir_id);
-                            then {
-                                if arg_id == *local {
-                                    return (false, false)
-                                }
-                            }
+                        if path_to_local_id(&args[0], arg_id) {
+                            return (false, false)
                         }
                         return (true, false);
                     }
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/to_string_in_display.rs b/clippy_lints/src/to_string_in_display.rs
index fa508df865e48..fdd105e624605 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/to_string_in_display.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/to_string_in_display.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
-use crate::utils::{match_def_path, match_trait_method, paths, span_lint};
+use crate::utils::{match_def_path, match_trait_method, path_to_local_id, paths, span_lint};
 use if_chain::if_chain;
-use rustc_hir::def::Res;
 use rustc_hir::{Expr, ExprKind, HirId, Impl, ImplItem, ImplItemKind, Item, ItemKind};
 use rustc_lint::{LateContext, LateLintPass};
 use rustc_session::{declare_tool_lint, impl_lint_pass};
@@ -89,14 +88,12 @@ impl LateLintPass<'_> for ToStringInDisplay {
 
     fn check_expr(&mut self, cx: &LateContext<'_>, expr: &Expr<'_>) {
         if_chain! {
+            if self.in_display_impl;
+            if let Some(self_hir_id) = self.self_hir_id;
             if let ExprKind::MethodCall(ref path, _, args, _) = expr.kind;
             if path.ident.name == sym!(to_string);
             if match_trait_method(cx, expr, &paths::TO_STRING);
-            if self.in_display_impl;
-            if let ExprKind::Path(ref qpath) = args[0].kind;
-            if let Res::Local(hir_id) = cx.qpath_res(qpath, args[0].hir_id);
-            if let Some(self_hir_id) = self.self_hir_id;
-            if hir_id == self_hir_id;
+            if path_to_local_id(&args[0], self_hir_id);
             then {
                 span_lint(
                     cx,
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/utils/mod.rs b/clippy_lints/src/utils/mod.rs
index cf93ee0a7a5c6..15a254244c18d 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/utils/mod.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/utils/mod.rs
@@ -307,6 +307,22 @@ pub fn match_path_ast(path: &ast::Path, segments: &[&str]) -> bool {
         .all(|(a, b)| a.ident.name.as_str() == *b)
 }
 
+/// If the expression is a path to a local, returns the canonical `HirId` of the local.
+pub fn path_to_local(expr: &Expr<'_>) -> Option<HirId> {
+    if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, ref path)) = expr.kind {
+        if let Res::Local(id) = path.res {
+            return Some(id);
+        }
+    }
+    None
+}
+
+/// Returns true if the expression is a path to a local with the specified `HirId`.
+/// Use this function to see if an expression matches a function argument or a match binding.
+pub fn path_to_local_id(expr: &Expr<'_>, id: HirId) -> bool {
+    path_to_local(expr) == Some(id)
+}
+
 /// Gets the definition associated to a path.
 #[allow(clippy::shadow_unrelated)] // false positive #6563
 pub fn path_to_res(cx: &LateContext<'_>, path: &[&str]) -> Res {
@@ -1135,9 +1151,7 @@ pub fn is_try<'tcx>(expr: &'tcx Expr<'tcx>) -> Option<&'tcx Expr<'tcx>> {
             if let PatKind::TupleStruct(ref path, ref pat, None) = arm.pat.kind;
             if match_qpath(path, &paths::RESULT_OK[1..]);
             if let PatKind::Binding(_, hir_id, _, None) = pat[0].kind;
-            if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, ref path)) = arm.body.kind;
-            if let Res::Local(lid) = path.res;
-            if lid == hir_id;
+            if path_to_local_id(arm.body, hir_id);
             then {
                 return true;
             }
@@ -1181,12 +1195,11 @@ pub fn is_allowed(cx: &LateContext<'_>, lint: &'static Lint, id: HirId) -> bool
     cx.tcx.lint_level_at_node(lint, id).0 == Level::Allow
 }
 
-pub fn get_arg_name(pat: &Pat<'_>) -> Option<Symbol> {
-    match pat.kind {
-        PatKind::Binding(.., ident, None) => Some(ident.name),
-        PatKind::Ref(ref subpat, _) => get_arg_name(subpat),
-        _ => None,
+pub fn strip_pat_refs<'hir>(mut pat: &'hir Pat<'hir>) -> &'hir Pat<'hir> {
+    while let PatKind::Ref(subpat, _) = pat.kind {
+        pat = subpat;
     }
+    pat
 }
 
 pub fn int_bits(tcx: TyCtxt<'_>, ity: ty::IntTy) -> u64 {
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/utils/usage.rs b/clippy_lints/src/utils/usage.rs
index fc0db7f64ec95..7c7580a2c6612 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/utils/usage.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/utils/usage.rs
@@ -1,16 +1,14 @@
 use crate::utils;
-use crate::utils::match_var;
 use rustc_data_structures::fx::FxHashSet;
 use rustc_hir as hir;
 use rustc_hir::def::Res;
 use rustc_hir::intravisit;
-use rustc_hir::intravisit::{walk_expr, NestedVisitorMap, Visitor};
+use rustc_hir::intravisit::{NestedVisitorMap, Visitor};
 use rustc_hir::{Expr, ExprKind, HirId, Path};
 use rustc_infer::infer::TyCtxtInferExt;
 use rustc_lint::LateContext;
 use rustc_middle::hir::map::Map;
 use rustc_middle::ty;
-use rustc_span::symbol::{Ident, Symbol};
 use rustc_typeck::expr_use_visitor::{ConsumeMode, Delegate, ExprUseVisitor, PlaceBase, PlaceWithHirId};
 
 /// Returns a set of mutated local variable IDs, or `None` if mutations could not be determined.
@@ -81,36 +79,6 @@ impl<'tcx> Delegate<'tcx> for MutVarsDelegate {
     }
 }
 
-pub struct UsedVisitor {
-    pub var: Symbol, // var to look for
-    pub used: bool,  // has the var been used otherwise?
-}
-
-impl<'tcx> Visitor<'tcx> for UsedVisitor {
-    type Map = Map<'tcx>;
-
-    fn visit_expr(&mut self, expr: &'tcx Expr<'_>) {
-        if match_var(expr, self.var) {
-            self.used = true;
-        } else {
-            walk_expr(self, expr);
-        }
-    }
-
-    fn nested_visit_map(&mut self) -> NestedVisitorMap<Self::Map> {
-        NestedVisitorMap::None
-    }
-}
-
-pub fn is_unused<'tcx>(ident: &'tcx Ident, body: &'tcx Expr<'_>) -> bool {
-    let mut visitor = UsedVisitor {
-        var: ident.name,
-        used: false,
-    };
-    walk_expr(&mut visitor, body);
-    !visitor.used
-}
-
 pub struct ParamBindingIdCollector {
     binding_hir_ids: Vec<hir::HirId>,
 }
diff --git a/clippy_lints/src/utils/visitors.rs b/clippy_lints/src/utils/visitors.rs
index ebf69df31ca41..a4064c3e705cd 100644
--- a/clippy_lints/src/utils/visitors.rs
+++ b/clippy_lints/src/utils/visitors.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
+use crate::utils::path_to_local_id;
 use rustc_hir as hir;
-use rustc_hir::def::Res;
 use rustc_hir::intravisit::{self, walk_expr, NestedVisitorMap, Visitor};
-use rustc_hir::{Arm, Expr, ExprKind, HirId, QPath, Stmt};
+use rustc_hir::{Arm, Expr, HirId, Stmt};
 use rustc_lint::LateContext;
 use rustc_middle::hir::map::Map;
 
@@ -168,15 +168,11 @@ impl<'v> Visitor<'v> for LocalUsedVisitor {
     type Map = Map<'v>;
 
     fn visit_expr(&mut self, expr: &'v Expr<'v>) {
-        if let ExprKind::Path(QPath::Resolved(None, path)) = expr.kind {
-            if let Res::Local(id) = path.res {
-                if id == self.local_hir_id {
-                    self.used = true;
-                    return;
-                }
-            }
+        if path_to_local_id(expr, self.local_hir_id) {
+            self.used = true;
+        } else {
+            walk_expr(self, expr);
         }
-        walk_expr(self, expr);
     }
 
     fn nested_visit_map(&mut self) -> NestedVisitorMap<Self::Map> {