they are fighting an uneven battle

[alpacinou]

Hello,

I want to suggest the health care workers are fighting a very unfair battle with the novel coronavirus. Do you think this metaphor works? Or how well does it work?

Which one is better?

1. The health care workers are fighting an unequal battle against an unknown virus.

2. The health care workers are fighting an uneven battle against an unknown virus.

3. The health care workers are fighting an unfair war against an unknown virus.

What is your suggestion? How would you express this idea? What metaphor would you use?

 

[probus]

Unequal is good.

Uneven does not work and unfair invites the question: unfair to whom?

 

[alpacinou]

Unequal is good.

Uneven does not work and unfair invites the question: unfair to whom?

I see. Which one is better, battle or war?

1. The health care workers are fighting an unequal battle against an unknown virus.

2. The health care workers are fighting an unequal war against an unknown virus.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Uphill battle" is the phrase you're looking for.

 

[alpacinou]

"Uphill battle" is the phrase you're looking for.

I see. I've never heard "fight an uphill battle against something". So, do you like 2 better than 1?

1. The health care workers are fighting an unequal battle against an unknown virus.

2. The health care workers are fighting an uphill battle against an unknown virus.

 

[GoesStation]

I see. I've never heard "fight an uphill battle against something". So, do you like 2 better than 1?

1. The health care workers are fighting an unequal battle against an unknown virus.

2. The health care workers are fighting an uphill battle against an unknown virus.

I think they're both okay.