rearguard action

1. military A defensive action undertaken to protect soldiers as they retreat. (Typically carried out by the "rearguard," a unit positioned at the rear of a formation.) After the mission went sideways, the unit's heroic rearguard action saved a lot of lives.

2. An attempt to try to stop something that likely cannot be prevented. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I know we're probably fighting a rearguard action against the board with this petition, but it's worth a try.

See also: action, rearguard

See also:

while you are at it
have strength in numbers
take action
strength in numbers
I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't
damned if (one) does, damned if (one) doesn't
damned if I do, damned if I don't
damned if I/you/they do, damned if I/you don't
damned if you do, damned if you don't
when in doubt, do nothing

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