hiding to nothing

hiding to nothing

A difficult situation that is unlikely to result in success. Primarily heard in UK. I'm on a hiding to nothing right now trying to persuade my teacher to give me an extra credit assignment.
See also: hide, nothing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • come into the open
  • come out in the open
  • come out in(to) the open
  • doggo
  • on a hiding to nothing
  • be on a hiding to nothing
  • cajole (one) out of (something)
  • cajole out of
  • flush out of some place
  • for all to see
References in periodicals archive
The government is on to a hiding to nothing, and it needs to sharpen up if it is not to be battered by all sides.
Growing pains
With Liverpool coming into the fixture in between their two Champions League quarter-final matches against Manchester City, Sam Allardyce's side were on something of a hiding to nothing but after a largely cagey first three-quarters of the game, they had some golden opportunities to secure three points late on as Reds legs tired.
'That felt like a loss for Everton - We should have put the pressure on from the start'; Blues fans react to Merseyside Derby stalemate
St Mirren full-back Liam Smith admits referee Craig Charleston was on a hiding to nothing following a raft of controversial calls in the game with Dunfermline.
Disputed decisions worked for both sides, says Liam
SAINTS were on a bit of a hiding to nothing in our game against Hull last Friday.
Hull of a case for defence
Polling suggests he's on a hiding to nothing, despite the warm reaction he gets.
CAMPAIGN SUNDAY 01.05
WE LOVE ENTERTAINMENT PIERS MORGAN'S LIFE STORIES (ITV, 9pm) ALWAYS on a mission to make his interview subjects cry, Piers looks to be on a hiding to nothing with actor Timothy West.
WE LOVE ENTERTAINMENT PIERS MORGAN'S [...]
If they make basic errors, as they have for much of the season, they will be on a hiding to nothing. VERDICT: Draw
BIG MATCH PREVIEW: Sunderland v West Ham; At: Stadium of Light On: Saturday, October 3 Kick-off: 3.00
Always on a hiding to nothing and support would have been nice Support for the former manager from the Villa legend mattletiss7 Wow, this episode of tipping point is painful A short rest from all that preparation for Soccer Saturday leaves Matt Le Tissier shouting at his telly joey7barton Good news on Chris Ramsey.
TWEETS OF THE DAY
When a nation has to teach children its native language before it can educate them, the teaching profession is on a hiding to nothing, and the country on the piste of ignominy.
Politicians need to grasp reality nettle; Views of Wales
But as Clive tries the "good cop" approach with Jason offering the support to get a job you sense he's on a hiding to nothing.
WE LOVE DOCUMENTARY
EASTENDERS (7.30pm BBC One) LINDA was on a hiding to nothing yesterday when she asked the Minute Mart if they sold aphrodisiacs.
WE LOVE SOAPS
It looked like the Lambs were on a hiding to nothing after the first half as it took just 11 minutes for the visiting side to make their height advantage count when a corner form the right was nodded on by Earl Davis allowing Shaun Whalley to steal in at the far post ahead of team mate Tony Gray and nod home the opener.
Lambs secure their survival
But Redknapp's family and friends think he would be on a hiding to nothing and he has already raised concerns himself.
HARRY'S FACING TORMENT OVER TAKING ENGLAND MANAGER JOB
And Moore said: "We were on a hiding to nothing in this one but we made heavy weather of it."
Ton boss expected lot Moore
NEW BRIGHTON know they could be on a hiding to nothing this Saturday when they visit Warrington in South Lancashire/Cheshire One League.
Brighton promotion hopes high