English idioms related to Failure

English idioms related to Failure - Game Over

school icon17 Words
9 min
to come off worst / worse
phrase
to be in the least favorable or losing position in a situation compared to others involved
1
to cut the ground from under one's feet
phrase
to do something better or sooner than someone else which will ruin their plans or achievements
2
to eat one's dust
phrase
to experience a massive defeat by someone in any competitive situation
3
to give sb a run for one's money
phrase
to challenge or compete with someone in a way that surprises or impresses others
4
to hold a candle to sb/sth
phrase
to be even remotely comparable in quality, skill, etc.
5
to lose / give ground
phrase
to give up one's position to the opposing side, resulting in a loss of progress, influence, or control
6
behind the curve
phrase
in a position or state that is less advantageous or successful compared to others
7
to walk all over sb
phrase
to defeat someone without any difficulty
8
to wipe the floor with sb
phrase
to completely beat someone in an argument or competition, particularly in a humiliating way
9
to make mincemeat (out) of sb/sth
phrase
to completely defeat or win against someone or something in a convincing and overwhelming manner, whether it be in a competition, argument, game, or other activity
10
to eat sb alive
phrase
to easily defeat someone by being more skilled, powerful, or aggressive compared to them
11
to eat / have sb/sth for breakfast
phrase
to easily and thoroughly defeat someone
12
to have had one's chips
phrase
to face a significant setback or failure in one's career, often resulting in the end of one's professional pursuits
13
to go up in smoke
phrase
(of plans, hopes, etc.) to come to nothing or fail completely, often resulting in disappointment or loss
14
Pyrrhic victory
noun
a victory achieved at the cost of losing so many things in return
15
Mexican standoff
noun
a situation where multiple parties are at a standstill, and no one is willing to take action to resolve the situation
16
to beat / knock the (living) daylights out of sb
phrase
to thoroughly beat someone, particularly in a contest
17
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