on a losing wicket

In a situation in which one is unlikely or unable to win; 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
Youssef	-	Arabic
Alma	['ælmə]
Thore	-	Swedish, Norwegian, Danish
Parr	[pa:]
Alikhan	-	Kazakh
Kaisa	KIE-sah (Finnish)	Finnish, Estonian