mug's game

American  

noun

1. a foolish, useless, or ill-advised venture.

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Etymology

Origin of mug's game

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

It closed that day at $193.60, delivering a prompt lesson that investing in stocks based on claims touted online is a mug’s game.

From Los Angeles Times

You are comparing yourself to others, and that’s a mug’s game.

From MarketWatch

“Timing” the stock market historically has been a mug’s game.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve written before that counting on corporate leaders to stand firm against policy threats to American democracy or the U.S. economy is a mug’s game.

From Los Angeles Times

It has long been clear that relying on corporate leaders to stand fast for social and economic progress is a mug’s game.

From Los Angeles Times