(one) can't win for losing

(redirected from couldn't win for losing)

(one) can't win for losing

One is unable to find or create any success; one has been constantly and/or thoroughly defeated, bested, belittled, etc., in recent times. So Mary divorced John after their company went under, and then his mother died a week later? Man, that guy can't win for losing lately. That's the third manuscript to be rejected by the publishers; I guess I just can't win for losing.
See also: losing, win
References in periodicals archive ?
Nearly a decade ago, ABC Studios couldn't win for losing.
Mouse's production junction: ABC Studios is a hot shop in primetime
Arnold Schwarzenegger's popularity disappeared along with his name on an Austrian soccer stadium, the Governator couldn't win for losing and he lost a lot (except for the $8 million he received from writing for muscle magazines).
LOOKING FORWARD, LOOKING BACK HARD LESSONS LEARNED IN 2005
During the height of the energy crisis this spring, the Department of Water and Power couldn't win for losing.
TIPOFF CITY HALL EYEBROWS RAISED OVER TEMPORARY ALATORRE HIRE
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?