give somebody/something up for lost

give (someone or something) up for lost

To stop pursuing or searching for someone or something because it seems like a futile task. I haven't been able to find that watch for weeks, so I've given it up for lost at this point. I gave the pizza up for lost when it didn't arrive in two hours. I refuse to give my cat up for lost! I just need some help finding her, that's all.

See also: for, give, lost, up

give up for lost

To consider lost or without hope. A noun or pronoun can be used after "give" or after "up." I gave the pizza up for lost when it didn't arrive in two hours. We had nearly given up the situation for lost when help arrived. I gave the package up for lost when it didn't arrive in two weeks.

See also: for, give, lost, up

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

give somebody/something up for ˈlost

(formal) stop looking for somebody/something because you no longer expect to find them/it: The fishermen had been given up for lost in the storm but they have now arrived safely back.

See also: for, give, lost, somebody, something, up

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017