The origin of the idiom "dead loss" is uncertain, but it is used to describe something that is completely useless or ineffective in a given situation. This phrase is used in this context to indicate that the thing in question is incapable of producing any positive results or benefits, and is therefore a waste of time, effort, or resources. This usage of the phrase has been in use since at least the early 20th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of things, including products, strategies, ideas, and people. In general, the phrase is used to express a sense of frustration or disappointment with something that has failed to deliver the desired results.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead loss" and when to use it?

dead loss

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The origin of the idiom "come to grief" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 18th century. This phrase implies a sudden and catastrophic loss, often resulting in physical or emotional harm. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a failed business venture to a personal relationship that ends badly. The phrase is often used in a negative sense to convey a sense of disappointment, regret, or sadness at the failure or loss.

What is the origin of the idiom "come to grief" and when to use it?

to [come] to grief

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The origins of The idiom "out of the running" are unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a political candidate who has dropped out of a race to a sports team that has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe a person or thing that is no longer considered a viable option for a particular opportunity or goal.

What is the origin of the idiom "out of the running" and when to use it?

out of the running

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The idiom "wide of the mark" originates from archery, where the "mark" refers to the target that the archer is aiming for. If an archer misses the target completely, their arrow would be said to have gone "wide of the mark." The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a statement that is completely false to a plan that is based on incorrect assumptions. It is often used to criticize or dismiss someone or something as being completely off-base or misguided.

What is the origin of the idiom "wide of the mark" and when to use it?

wide (of|off) the mark

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The idiom "comedy of errors" comes from a play by William Shakespeare called "The Comedy of Errors," which features a series of mistaken identities and miscommunications that escalate into a series of comedic misunderstandings. The phrase is often used to describe situations in which a series of mistakes or misunderstandings compound upon one another, leading to a humorous or absurd outcome. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from personal relationships to business or political situations.

What is the origin of the idiom "comedy of errors" and when to use it?

comedy of errors

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The origins of the phrase "dog days" can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed that the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star," rose in conjunction with the sun during the hottest part of the summer. This period was associated with drought, sickness, and other hardships. Today, the phrase "dog days" is often used to describe a period of hardship or adversity, whether it be personal or societal.

What is the origin of the idiom "dog days" and when to use it?

dog days

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The idiom "miss the boat" comes from the idea of a boat or ship leaving a dock or port, and someone arriving too late to board it. The idiom can be used in a wide range of situations, from missing a job opportunity to failing to invest in a profitable venture. It is often used to express regret or disappointment at having missed out on something that was potentially valuable or rewarding.

What is the origin of the idiom "miss the boat" and when to use it?

to [miss] the (boat|bus)

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The phrase "dead man walking" originated in American prisons in the 20th century, where it was used to alert staff members that a death row inmate was being led to their execution. The phrase was reportedly first used in the 1980s by a corrections officer in Louisiana, and was later popularized by the 1995 movie "Dead Man Walking." The phrase has since been used more broadly to describe a person or group who is in imminent danger of facing a negative consequence or punishment, or who is likely to lose something of great value or importance to them.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead man walking" and when to use it?

dead man walking

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The idiom "dead duck" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, and was likely inspired by the image of a duck that has been shot and killed, and is therefore no longer of any use. This phrase is often used to describe  someone or something that is doomed to fail or no longer has a chance of success.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead duck" and when to use it?

dead duck

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The idiom "come a cropper" is believed to have emerged in Britain in the early 19th century, and may have originally referred to a horse that stumbled and fell during a race. This phrase  is often used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a sudden and unexpected setback or failure, often as a result of their own actions or decisions.

What is the origin of the idiom "come a cropper" and when to use it?

to [come] a cropper

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The idiom "dead end" is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and was originally used to describe a street or road that has no outlet or exit. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has reached a point where there is no way forward, or where further efforts are unlikely to be successful.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead end" and when to use it?

dead end

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The idiom "dead in the water" has its roots in the practical observation of a vessel that becomes motionless and essentially stuck, resembling a lifeless object floating on the water. This phrase is used in a range of contexts or occasions to describe situations where progress or success has ceased, or where there is a significant obstacle hindering any forward movement. It is commonly employed in business, politics, sports, and everyday conversations.

What is the origin of the idiom "dead in the water" and when to use it?

dead in the water

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The idiom "dead in the water is believed to have originated in the context of sailing or boating, where a vessel that has lost power or momentum is said to be "dead in the water." This phrase  is often used to describe a project, plan, or initiative that has stalled or failed to make progress. It can also be used to describe a person or organization that has encountered insurmountable obstacles or setbacks, and is unable to move forward.

to [pass] {one's} sell-by date

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The idiom "down for the count" is believed to have originated in the sport of boxing, where a boxer who is knocked down by their opponent must remain on the mat for a count of ten before they can continue the fight. This phrase  is often used more broadly to describe a person who has been defeated or overcome, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

down for the count

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The idiom "go down in the world" is believed to have originated in Britain in the 19th century, and may have originally referred to a person who had fallen from a position of wealth or prominence due to financial difficulties or other setbacks. The phrase is often used to describe a person who has experienced a significant decline in their social or economic status.

What is the origin of the idiom "go down in the world" and when to use it?

to [go|come] down in the world

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The idiom "yesterday's man" is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, and may have originally referred to a politician or public figure who had lost their power or influence. This idiom is often used to describe a person who is seen as outdated or out of touch with current trends or attitudes.

What is the origin of the idiom "yesterday's man" and when to use it?

yesterday's (man|woman)

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The idiom "draw a blank" is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century, and may have originally referred to a card game where a player is unable to draw a card they need. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is unable to come up with ideas or solutions to a problem, despite their best efforts.

What is the origin of the idiom "draw a blank" and when to use it?

to [draw] a blank

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The idiom "the writing is on the wall" is believed to have originated in the Bible, where it was said to have been written on the wall during a feast in ancient Babylon as a warning of impending doom. It is often used to describe a situation where there are clear signals or indications that a situation is about to change or that something is about to happen.

What is the origin of the idiom "the writing is on the wall" and when to use it?

the writing [is] on the wall

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The idiom "take someone to the cleaners" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This phrase can also be used to describe a situation where someone is defeated or outmaneuvered in a thorough or humiliating way, often resulting in a significant loss or setback.

What is the origin of the idiom "take someone to the cleaners" and when to use it?

to [take] {sb} to the cleaners

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A wooden spoon award is a humorous or ironic prize given to someone who has performed the worst in a competition or contest. It is usually a literal wooden spoon, but sometimes it can be just a name or a title. The origin of this award comes from the British tradition of awarding a wooden spoon to the lowest-scoring student in the mathematics exam at the University of Cambridge. The wooden spoon award has since spread to other English-speaking countries and can be used for various academic, sporting or fun events.

What is a "wooden spoon"?

wooden spoon

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The idiom originated in the early 1900s and is believed to have come from the world of boxing. In boxing, when a fighter knocks their opponent off their feet, it signifies a decisive victory. This literal meaning of the phrase gradually changed to mean that someone was defeated badly or lost in a big way, even if it was not in a boxing match. The idiom is informal and has a wide range of applications, often used to describe a sudden and impactful event.

What is the origin of the idiom "knock someone of one's feet" and when to use it?

to [knock] {sb} off {one's} feet

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Master English idioms regarding defeat, like "out of the running" and "dead in the water".

English Idioms for "Defeat"