Fight a losing battle
phrase
To try to do something that will probably not be successful.
Bob is still trying to get his work finished on time, but I think he's fighting a losing battle.
Often appears as...
- try and fight a losing battle
- always fighting a losing battle
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To try to do something that will probably not be successful.
Bob is still trying to get his work finished on time, but I think he's fighting a losing battle.
Often appears as...
- try and fight a losing battle
- always fighting a losing battle
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Tone
The phrase often suggests continued effort despite the likelihood of failure.
Even though the team is far behind, they keep fighting a losing battle.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcome
It's used when the situation seems hopeless or the outcome seems inevitable.
He's fighting a losing battle against the advanced disease.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is metaphorical, not about an actual physical battle.
Trying to clean the house with kids around is like fighting a losing battle.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Tone
The phrase often suggests continued effort despite the likelihood of failure.
Even though the team is far behind, they keep fighting a losing battle.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcome
It's used when the situation seems hopeless or the outcome seems inevitable.
He's fighting a losing battle against the advanced disease.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is metaphorical, not about an actual physical battle.
Trying to clean the house with kids around is like fighting a losing battle.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Tone
The phrase often suggests continued effort despite the likelihood of failure.
Even though the team is far behind, they keep fighting a losing battle.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Outcome
It's used when the situation seems hopeless or the outcome seems inevitable.
He's fighting a losing battle against the advanced disease.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
The phrase is metaphorical, not about an actual physical battle.
Trying to clean the house with kids around is like fighting a losing battle.
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