a losing battle

a losing battle

A failing or hopeless effort; a situation or activity that is ultimately futile or cannot be won. Most often used in the phrase "fight a losing battle." I'd give up trying to get your brother to agree to this deal if I were you, it looks like a losing battle at this point. You're fighting a losing battle if you think you can convince Sarah to go to college. It looks like I'm fighting a losing battle trying to get a raise from my boss.

See also: battle, losing

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

losing battle, a

Also, a losing game. A failing effort or activity. For example, He's fighting a losing battle against putting on weight, or We think his candidacy is a losing game. These expressions, alluding to actual unsuccessful battles or games, have been used figuratively since the early 1600s. Also see lost cause.

See also: losing

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

a losing battle

a struggle that is bound to end in failure.

See also: battle, losing

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

losing battle, (to fight) a

A hopeless undertaking that is nevertheless continued. See lost cause.

See also: losing

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer