on a hiding to nothing
Related to on a hiding to nothing: by all means, let bygones be bygones, turn a phrase, go out on a limb, lo and behold
on a hiding to nothing
In a futile situation that is extremely unlikely to succeed or gain an advantage. You're on a hiding to nothing if you think you're going to get a raise out of the boss. In this day and age, a new phone that doesn't have a robust app marketplace is on a hiding to nothing.
See also: hide, nothing, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on a hiding to nothing
BRITISHIf someone is on a hiding to nothing, they have absolutely no chance of being successful at what they are trying to do. A car manufacturer capable of making only 50,000 cars a year is on a hiding to nothing. She's on a bit of a hiding to nothing, going round complaining that her ideas have been stolen by the advertising industry. Note: A hiding is a flogging or beating, but the origin of this expression is unknown.
See also: hide, nothing, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
on a hiding to nothing
unlikely to succeed, or in a position to gain no advantage if you do. British 1998 Spectator Which only goes to show that even the most reflexive liberal panderer is on a hiding to nothing in this territory.
See also: hide, nothing, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- be on a hiding to nothing
- Mr Right
- So what if I do?
- goin
- going my way?
- (Are you) going my way?
- damn right
- stand on (one's)/its own
- ms
- Miss Right