(you) can't win them all

(you) can't win them all

A phrase said, often as an attempt at consolation, when one has lost or failed to achieve a desired result, especially after previous success. "Them" is sometimes abbreviated as "'em." I know you're disappointed to have the lost the game, but you can't win them all, honey. A: "I'm sorry, I know you worked really hard and were expecting an A+." B: "Eh, can't win 'em all."

See also: all, win

(You) can't win them all.

 and (You) can't win 'em all.

Inf. a catch phrase said when someone, including the speaker, has lost in a contest or failed at something. (The you is impersonal, meaning one, anyone. The apostrophe on 'em is not always used.) Mary: Gee, I came in last again! Jane: Oh, well. You can't win them all. "Can't win 'em all," muttered Alice as she left the boss's office with nothing accomplished.

See also: all, win

you can't win 'em all

Success is not inevitable, as in They published your article but not your rebuttal to the reviewer? Well, you can't win 'em all . [First half of 1900s] For a synonym, see win some, lose some.

See also: all, win

you can't win them all (or win some, lose some)

said to express consolation or resignation after failure in a contest. informal

See also: all, win

you can’t win them ˈall

,

you ˈwin some, you ˈlose some

(spoken) used to express sympathy for somebody who has been disappointed about something: ‘I made a terrible speech this evening.’ ‘Well, you can’t win them all. Don’t worry about it.’

See also: all, win