be (batting) on a losing wicket

To be in a situation in which one is unlikely or unable to win; to be doing something that is likely or certain to fail. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Teachers who try to keep mobile phones out of their classrooms are on a losing wicket these days. The prime minister, knowing his party has been batting on a losing wicket regarding immigration reform, today announced a major U-turn in his position on the matter.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Emel	-	Turkish
Virgil	['və:dʒil]
Naseer	-	Arabic
ÇEtİN	-	Turkish
Te'oma	-	Ancient Aramaic
Hanke	HAHN-kə	Dutch