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REFERENCE

not win for losing

idiom
Meaning

To repeatedly fail in one's gambles or efforts.


Examples
SIMPLE

I try to fix one problem, but I cannot win for losing.

CONTEXTUAL

Every time I fix the leaky pipe, a new one bursts, and I feel like I cannot win for losing.

COMPLEX

Despite his meticulous efforts to stabilize the failing project, he found himself in a situation where he could not win for losing, as every corrective measure only invited further disaster.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    fight a losing battle

    To attempt a task or other endeavor in which there is no chance that it will succeed.

  2. 02

    play to win

    To make a special, determined effort to achieve general success or a particular goal, in life, in one's career, in negotiation, etc.

  3. 03

    win back

    To win (something) that one has previously lost.

  4. 04

    win by a nose

    To win by a small margin; to have a narrow victory.

  5. 05

    win one for the Gipper

    To do something in memory of another person.

  6. 06

    win over

    To persuade someone, gain someone's support, or make someone understand the truth or validity of something.

  7. 07

    win the battle, but lose the war

    To achieve a portion of a goal, but fail to achieve the entire goal.

  8. 08

    win the lottery

    To experience an extraordinary or highly fortunate event.

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