play a losing game

play a losing game

To try persistently and with great effort to do or achieve something that is ultimately doomed to fail. You're playing a losing game if you think you can convince Sarah to go to college. It looks like I'm playing a losing game trying to get a raise from my boss.
See also: game, losing, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play a losing game

see under losing battle.
See also: game, losing, play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • fight a losing battle
  • be fighting a losing battle
  • end in tears
  • it'll (all) end in tears
  • it'll end in tears
  • the sick man of
  • the sick man of (something or somewhere)
  • stop at
  • stop at (something)
  • keep after