cut one's losses

cut (one's) losses

To stop an action that has resulted in loss or failure or leave a failing situation before it gets worse. Man, this venture is going nowhere—I think we're better off cutting our losses than agreeing to rent this space for another year.
See also: cut, loss
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cut one's losses

Withdraw from a losing situation, as in They decided to close down the unprofitable branch and cut their losses. This expression uses cut in the sense of "reduce" (also see cut down, def. 2).
See also: cut, loss
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • cut (one's) losses
  • cut losses
  • cut one’s losses
  • cut your losses
  • a blind alley
  • blind alley
  • blind alley, (up) a
  • be at the end of nowhere
  • go for nothing
  • get nowhere fast
References in periodicals archive
The first is to cut one's losses and leave the market, which is a move that won't do much to A & P's status with analysts and other industry observers.
Going against the grain: Farmer Jack is changing its format to attract consumers in a crowded retail environment. But are company officials choosing the safest way instead of the right way?
I advise that if the downward trend is caused by actual individual unfavorable conditions (and not general market conditions), it is best to cut one's losses early, sell the stock and move on.
Stock market investments