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in vain

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Legal, Encyclopedia 0.01 sec.
in vain
for no purpose; [done] as a failure. They rushed her to the hospital, but they did it in vain. We tried in vain to get her there on time.
See also: vain
in vain
1. without success Melissa shifted about, trying in vain to find a comfortable position. Government agents tried in vain to kidnap him.
2. without any useful result Clegg said Friday's military operation went well, and that these soldiers did not die in vain. The president himself must make the argument, or all our work will be in vain.
See also: vain
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In vain did we count the tedious moments of his absence--in vain did we weep--in vain even did we sigh--no Edward returned--.
Love and Friendship by Austen, Jane View in context
It was in vain that Cedric's cupbearer looked around for his young master---he saw the bloody spot on which he had lately sunk down, but himself he saw no longer; it seemed as if the fairies had conveyed him from the spot.
Ivanhoe by Scott, Walter View in context
In vain he described the bird to his attendants, who rushed at his first call; in vain they sought the wonderful creature both on horse and foot, and summoned the fowlers to their aid: the bird could nowhere be found.
The Yellow Fairy Book by Lang, Andrew View in context
 
 
 
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