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

Believing the claims of technology promoters that one or another nirvana is just around the corner is a mug’s game.

From Los Angeles Times

According to Wu, it’s a “mug’s game to try to pick winners and predict technological breakthroughs.”

From MarketWatch

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