give someone up for lost

give (someone or something) up for lost

To stop pursuing or searching for someone or something because it seems like a futile task. I haven't been able to find that watch for weeks, so I've given it up for lost at this point.
See also: give, lost, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give someone up for lost

stop expecting that a missing person will be found alive.
See also: give, lost, someone, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • give (someone or something) up for lost
  • give somebody/something up for lost
  • give up for lost
  • give somebody/something up as a bad job
  • give (one) up as a bad job
  • save (one's) breath
  • save breath
  • save one's breath
  • save your breath
  • piss up a rope