Idiom
mug's game
Meanings
An activity or situation that is foolish, pointless, or likely to end in failure for the person doing it.
A situation where someone is being exploited or has the odds stacked against them.
Definition
A mug's game is an activity that is pointless or likely to end badly for the person doing it.
A mug's game means something that is not worth doing because it is foolish, unfair, or has little chance of success. It often suggests the person involved is being taken advantage of or is wasting effort. People use it to warn someone off a risky or unrewarding situation.
Examples
- Trying to beat the market every week is a mug's game.
- Arguing with him when he's drunk is a mug's game.
- Chasing online trolls is a mug's game, so I just muted the thread.
- Working unpaid overtime hoping for praise is a mug's game.
More at C1 level
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More noun phrases
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- gravy train A gravy train is an easy, steady way to make a lot of money with little effort.
- green thumb A green thumb is a natural skill at growing and caring for plants.
- level playing field A level playing field is a situation where everyone has the same opportunities and no unfair advant…
- wild goose chase A wild goose chase is a pointless search that leads nowhere.