you can't win 'em all


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(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 '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
References in periodicals archive ?
YOU can't win 'em all, as the saying goes, but at the University of Huddersfield we give it our best shot, and our success rate in the growing number of awards now available in the Higher Education sector is highly impressive.
The awards just keep on coming
Yes, it's been nerve-wracking, and, yes, there have been setbacks along the way - Leeds and Sheffield Wednesday home and away; Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Watford away, spring to mind - but that's football, you can't win 'em all.
Sensational moments have made this such an enjoyable season
WORCESTER -- You can't win 'em all, which is why you should never get into a situation where you have to.
Sharks' streak snapped; Extra two minutes angers penalized Bonneau
But you can't win 'em all and it's all over in 90 minutes.
Culture: Joy unconfined as Oysters and Snails hits the spot; Theatre
I would have liked the option of a cheese and biscuit selection but you can't win 'em all.
Student bistro in a class of its own; food&drink taste test Gill Isted at The Bistro at Yale College, Wrexham
I never like losing a sale," this owner says, "but I realize you can't win 'em all.
Salesmanship 101: common sense and respect for others
WAS the theme music from the film You Can't Win 'Em All ever released?
SHOWBIZ SAM
Yeah, you can't win 'em all, but Boston would really, really, really liked to have won this one, especially against an AL East competitor who is not entirely out of the title chase.
Sox had chances, but ... Bautista hits 2 HRs, nails man at plate to lift Jays
I'm pleased enough with mine, but you can't win 'em all, as we know.
A RASPER! My berries are beauts
REPLY: Sadly nothing - ah well, you can't win 'em all.
In the blag.. ARTFUL CADGER REVEALS HIS SECRETS
Ah well, never mind, you can't win 'em all in this Cains' Chapple of worship.
British Guild of Beer Writers' Best Regional Writer; pubs
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