come to nothing

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Related to comes to nothing: drown one's sorrows, dice with death

come to nothing

To result in no tangible or appreciable difference; to fail. Well, all of our efforts came to nothing in the end, really. The bank decided to foreclose on us regardless of the money we raised.
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come to nothing

 and come to naught
to amount to nothing; to be worthless. So all my hard work comes to nothing. Yes, the whole project comes to naught.
See also: come, nothing

come to nothing

Also, come to naught. Fail, as in All his efforts have come to nothing, or The last round of peace talks came to naught. The first term dates from the mid-1500s, the variant from the early 1600s.
See also: come, nothing

come to ˈnothing

,

not ˈcome to anything/much

not have a successful result: The latest attempt to end the dispute came to nothing. ♢ They had a scheme for making a lot of money quickly, but it never came to anything.
See also: come, nothing
References in periodicals archive ?
Hereford fall short of last year's vintage by some margin, and their neat passing play often comes to nothing, so at the prices big-spending Stevenage are the pick, having secured a top-class strike pair by adding Darryn Stamp to the dangerous Anthony Elding.
Football: Borough boys are big value
1 minute - Paul Dickov sets up James McFadden on the left but the Everton player's cross to the back post comes to nothing as Barry Ferguson fouls Amir Karic.
Football: SCOTLAND V SLOVENIA KEY MOMENTS
What kind of incentive will these young people have in investing in the community if it comes to nothing? It's easy for them to say they just can't be bothered with it.
Making the world a better place isn't always easy!; voice of the north
This is a lot of money to spend if it comes to nothing.'' Officials say it will take a month to reveal details of the spending.
`pounds 1m WASTE' Anger at council bill for rubbish incinerator plan
9: At the heart of another determined Llanelli offensive, butunfortunately for the Welsh champions it comes to nothing and Sale are able to clear.
Rugby union: Wales loss is Scarlets' massive gain
"I'm ringing up people all the time and even if the call comes to nothing, that's still progress in a sense," he said.
Little still hanging on the telephone
But it all comes to nothing if the teams above us don't drop points.
IAN: TITLE ALMOST A DEAD DUCK
54: Neat control and touch to spread the play but comes to nothing as England lose possession.
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Kate hallucinates about Brian, and her attempt to let Pete know she still has feelings for him comes to nothing.
Monday: Pick of the day
Coun Badham added: "If this comes to nothing, we feel that the only viable option for the future of the Red House is a sympathetic refurbishment for residential use that would give it a viable, sustainable use.
House for a pounds 1; North City News GREAT BARR: Community may rent historic building at peppercorn rate
60 mins: Gera's goalbound shot from20yards is tipped over by Marshall for a corner which comes to nothing.
Football: SCOTLAND V HUNGARY: KEY MOMENTS
``For six years I have played football week in, week out, and then it comes to nothing.
Football: HE'S THE ONE; Contrasting fortunes for 'keeper
I HOPE George Osborne's idea to tax OAPs comes to nothing. Older people should be enjoying their retirement, not having to worry about finances and where their next meal is coming from.
Tories robbing OAPs; your letters
If the search comes to nothing, Benitez does at least have options to fill in for Johnson.
Benitez ponders right-back dilemma; Right-back riddle to solve for Rafa
Talk of charging fragrant missus Mary with perjury comes to nothing but Archer son James, 27, is banned for life from working in the City because of dodgy dealing.
END OF THE PEER?; July
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