give up (something) as a bad job

give up (something) as a bad job

To cease a task or activity that one finds useless. A: "What should I do? The tent keeps blowing over in this wind." B: "Oh, just give it up as a bad job."
See also: bad, give, job, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give something up as a bad job

decide that it is futile to devote further time and energy to something. informal
2005 Theresa Green A Quiet Crusade Sixth was startled to such a degree that he actually got up out of his basket and followed Maddie around for almost ninety seconds before giving it up as a bad job and going back to bed.
See also: bad, give, job, something, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

give somebody/something up as a bad ˈjob

(informal) decide that it is impossible to do something or to change somebody and then stop trying to do it: ‘Are you still studying Japanese?’ ‘No, I gave it up as a bad job. It was far too difficult for me!’
See also: bad, give, job, somebody, something, up
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • give something up as a bad job
  • (as) useless as tits on a nun
  • nun
  • not worth beans
  • (as) useless as tits on a boar hog
  • not worth a tinker's curse
  • not worth a tinker's damn
  • rumdum
  • rum-dum
  • jam tomorrow