Fixing that old car is a lost cause.
lost cause
idiomA person or thing that is hopeless or futile.
Origin
disputed originFrom the generic term lost cause. The Confederacy was, of course, defeated.
After months of trying to change his mind, his friends decided he was a lost cause.
The environmental group had poured years into saving the polluted river, but by now even its most devoted members privately admitted it was a lost cause.
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get lost
To exit from the scene.
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look as if one had lost a shilling and found sixpence
To look very disappointed.
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look as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence
To look annoyed or displeased.
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lost errand
Synonym of fool's errand.
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lost in the shuffle
Failing to stand out or receive attention as a result of a larger-scale change or transformation.
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lost in translation
Unable to be understood due to having been poorly translated.
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lost on
Not understood or appreciated by (someone).
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lost to the world
Of a thing, event, etc., no longer used or available; unknown to or forgotten by everyone.