to little purpose

Idioms  

1. Also, to no purpose. Of little or no use, in vain, as in Hiring a new lawyer will be to little purpose. The related phrases are sometimes combined in to little or no purpose and used as a general indicator of futility. To little purpose was first recorded in 1560. For a synonym, see to no avail; also see to good purpose.

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Example Sentences

The teeth were rusty and dull and he sat in front of the fire with a rattail file and tried to sharpen them but to little purpose.

From Literature

On the 15th they played France, and took out their annoyance in physical style: in the opening exchanges Luis Monti – the first and only man to play in two World Cup finals for two different nations, also turning out for Italy in 1934 – fouled Lucien Laurent, who spent the rest of the match hobbling around to little purpose.

From The Guardian

The endlessly turning wheels of oxidation within the mitochondria would turn to little purpose if it were not for this all- important result.

From Literature

To little purpose, argues Ms Galindo, who is polite and soft-spoken despite the fierceness of her views.

From Economist

The Royal Court's publicists have been discreet about the subject of Joe Penhall's new play, but to little purpose.

From The Guardian