ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mug's game

idiom
Meaning

A foolish, profitless, or hopeless undertaking.


Examples
SIMPLE

Trying to win that rigged carnival game is a mug's game.

CONTEXTUAL

He realized that chasing after a company that never pays its invoices is a mug's game.

COMPLEX

The seasoned investor warned the newcomers that attempting to time the volatile market was ultimately a mug's game.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    away game

    An athletic contest played away from the team's home field.

  2. 02

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  3. 03

    blame game

    A situation in which people attempt to blame others rather than trying to resolve a problem.

  4. 04

    change the game

    To revolutionize a field of endeavor.

  5. 05

    fair game

    Actions permissible by the rules.

  6. 06

    for the love of the game

    Doing something for one's own enjoyment or other intrinsic desire to do so; not for other reasons such as money or other ulterior motives.

  7. 07

    fun and games

    Recreation; nothing serious; easy, enjoyable activities.

  8. 08

    game face

    The expression of one who is prepared for or is facing a lot of difficult and/or undesirable work, especially when it is imminent.

Last updated July 12, 2026