mug's game

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mug's game¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“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

Predictions, then, are a mug’s game - and here is your mug.

From BBC

Studies also indicate that trying to move deftly from sector to sector is a mug’s game.

From Slate