A hiding to nothing - On | English Idioms and Phrases

Definitions

To have no chance of success or to be in a doomed situation
To describe a situation where someone is likely to fail or lose, regardless of their efforts or actions. It implies that the outcome is predetermined and the person has no control over it, often due to external circumstances.
To pursue a futile or pointless endeavor
To indicate that the effort put into a task or project will not yield any positive results or progress. It suggests that the person is wasting their time and energy on something that will not bring any benefits or rewards.

Examples of A hiding to nothing - On

Trying to stop a child from eating candy is a hiding to nothing.

This idiom means a futile or hopeless effort. In this example, it's implying that it's pointless to try and stop a child from eating candy because they're likely to continue doing it regardless of any attempts to prevent it.
Investing in a company with no profits is a hiding to nothing.

This idiom means a risky or unprofitable investment. In this example, it's suggesting that investing in a company that's not making any profits is a waste of time and resources because it's unlikely to yield any returns.
Arguing with a stubborn person is a hiding to nothing.

This idiom means a fruitless or unproductive argument. In this example, it's implying that trying to convince a stubborn person of something is pointless because they're unlikely to change their mind.
Spending money on a losing horse is a hiding to nothing.

This idiom means a wasteful or unprofitable investment. In this example, it's suggesting that betting on a horse that's not likely to win is a waste of money because it's unlikely to yield any returns.
Starting a business with no experience is a hiding to nothing.

This idiom means a risky or unsuccessful venture. In this example, it's implying that starting a business without any prior experience is a waste of time and resources because it's unlikely to succeed.

Conclusion

The idiom "a hiding to nothing" or "on a hiding to nothing" is used to express a situation where someone is likely to fail or achieve nothing, regardless of their efforts. It can also convey a sense of futility or pointlessness in pursuing a task or goal.

This idiom is often used to describe a situation where the odds are stacked against someone, making it almost impossible for them to succeed. It can also imply a sense of hopelessness or inevitability, as if the outcome is already decided and there is nothing the person can do to change it.

In some cases, the idiom may also be used to criticize someone's actions or decisions, suggesting that they are wasting their time and resources on something that will not bring any positive results.

Origin of "A hiding to nothing - On"

The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in British dialect in the 19th century. It may have originated from the phrase "to be on a hiding to nothing," which was used in the context of gambling and meant to have no chance of winning.

Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the game of cricket, where a team is said to be on a "hiding to nothing" when they have no chance of winning, but can still lose if they play poorly.

Regardless of its origin, the idiom has become a common phrase in English and is used in various contexts to describe a situation where success is unlikely or impossible.