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
Wiley	WIE-lee	English
Enos	EE-nahs (English)	Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek
Gorman	['gɔ:mən]
Ayliffe	['eilif]
Shanelle	shə-NEL	English (Modern)
Gafar	-	Arabic