A fat lot of good, use, etc.

usgb
phrase

Used to sarcastically express the notion that something is not beneficial or useful at all.

I tried to fix the computer myself, but it did a fat lot of good. It's still not working.
Visual representation of "a fat lot of good, use, etc." - Used to sarcastically express the notion that something is not beneficial or useful at all.

Often appears as...

  • do a fat lot of good
  • be a fat lot of use

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a fat lot of good, use, etc."
LampPro Tip 1/3

Sarcasm Indicator

Indicates speaker's disbelief in the usefulness or value of something, often with a tone of irony or sarcasm.

Illustration for Sarcasm Indicator
He brought in his old tools to fix the sink, but that did a fat lot of good.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Outcome

Suggests an effort made with no positive results; something was done in vain.

Illustration for Negative Outcome
I studied all week, and it did a fat lot of good on the test.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasizes Failure

Highlights that someone's attempt to solve a problem has failed despite perhaps being expected to help.

Illustration for Emphasizes Failure
She tried talking sense into him, but it was a fat lot of use.
Visual representation of the word "A fat lot of good, use, etc."

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