no-win situation

Idioms

A situation certain to end in failure or disappointment, as in If the in-laws visit them or they visit the in-laws, either way they see it as a no-win situation. [c. 1960]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Nearly everyone The Times interviewed said Mr. Mayorkas was in a no-win situation.

From New York Times

New Hampshire leaders say the DNC has put them in a no-win situation.

From Washington Times

I feel as if I’m in a no-win situation.

From Washington Post

Iran’s players have been stuck in a similar no-win situation since this tournament began.

From Los Angeles Times

“First of all, Oz is a TV guy. He has honed his skills. … I think Fetterman is in a no-win situation. He’s recovering from the stroke.”

From Seattle Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023