If someone is fighting for a lost cause, can I say: "He is gearing up to fight a lost battle."
C chitraaa Junior Member Joined Nov 28, 2021 Member Type Academic Native Language Hindi Home Country India Current Location India Aug 20, 2022 #1 If someone is fighting for a lost cause, can I say: "He is gearing up to fight a lost battle."
emsr2d2 Moderator Staff member Joined Jul 28, 2009 Member Type English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country UK Current Location UK Aug 20, 2022 #2 No. If the metaphorical battle hasn't started yet, you can't call it "lost". Say "He's fighting a losing battle" or "He's gearing up to/getting ready to fight a losing battle".
No. If the metaphorical battle hasn't started yet, you can't call it "lost". Say "He's fighting a losing battle" or "He's gearing up to/getting ready to fight a losing battle".