a losing game



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a losing game

A failing or hopeless effort; a situation or activity that is ultimately futile or cannot be won. (Most often used in the phrase "play a losing game.") I'd give up trying to get your brother to agree to this deal if I were you. It looks like a losing game at this point. You're playing a losing game if you think you can convince Sarah to go to college.
See also: game, losing

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Zarah-Biblical
JohnieJAHN-eeEnglish
VincentVIN-sənt (English), ven-SAWN (French)English, French, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Slovak
Mikula-Czech (Rare)
Alvan['ælvən]
Ilyaeel-YAHRussian