losing battle, (to fight) a
a losing battle
A failing or hopeless effort; a situation or activity that is ultimately futile or cannot be won. Most often used in the phrase "fight a losing battle." I'd give up trying to get your brother to agree to this deal if I were you, it looks like a losing battle at this point. You're fighting a losing battle if you think you can convince Sarah to go to college.
See also: battle, losing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
a losing battle
a struggle that is bound to end in failure.See also: battle, losing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
losing battle, (to fight) a
A hopeless undertaking that is nevertheless continued. See lost cause.
See also: losing
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- a losing battle
- losing battle, a
- a losing game
- caucus race
- ye
- abandon hope, all ye who enter here
- all hope abandon, ye who enter here
- rearrange (the) deckchairs on the Titanic
- rearrange the deckchairs on the Titanic
- shift (the) deckchairs on the Titanic