give someone 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

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

give someone up for lost

stop expecting that a missing person will be found alive.

See also: for, give, lost, someone, up

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017