losing hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "losing hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to games, gambling, or situations where someone is at a disadvantage or likely to fail. Example: "Despite his best efforts, he found himself in a losing hand during the final round of the poker game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

The official response is always a losing hand.

The New Yorker

I drew a losing hand on the Memorex player, too.

The New York Times - Tech

In "Get Up" he intones: "You got a losing hand.

The New York Times

And off the field, the team has also been actively trying to change a losing hand.

The New York Times - Sports

"I gambled on your love, baby, and got a losing hand," Belafonte sings.

The New Yorker

"They keep returning to the table with the same losing hand".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The Spaniard sobbed out a fragmented story of losing hands, boats, passengers and cargo to sickness and the elements.

The Guardian - Books

This can get very tense if you get a bad run (5-7 losing hands in a row).

WikiHow

Passed over for adoption because of the lost hand, Ren begins stealing small objects as recompense.

The New York Times - Books

For patients who had lost hand grip, the hands could be tied with a strap to the walker.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Playing Euchre with the Lady is a treat; she'll make you feel every lost hand.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "losing hand", ensure the context aligns with situations involving games, gambling, or strategic disadvantages where the outcome is likely negative. Using it in unrelated situations may confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "losing hand" in situations where a simple setback occurs. This phrase is most effective when describing situations with limited or no chance of success. Instead, consider using "minor setback" or "temporary obstacle" for less definitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "losing hand" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a situation or position characterized by a high probability of failure or disadvantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "losing hand" is a versatile expression used to describe situations where success is improbable. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially in News & Media. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, ranging from political analysis to strategic decision-making in business. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a substantial disadvantage or near certainty of failure. While there are many alternatives, such as "unfavorable position" or "no-win scenario", the specific nuance of "losing hand" relates it closely to games and strategic plays that make it uniquely descriptive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no-win scenario

Emphasizes the impossibility of achieving a positive outcome.

unfavorable position

Focuses on the disadvantageous state rather than the cause or the game analogy.

disadvantageous situation

Emphasizes the situation being unfavorable for success.

weak spot

Highlights a specific area of vulnerability.

difficult circumstances

Indicates challenging conditions affecting the outcome.

tough break

Suggests misfortune or bad luck leading to a negative outcome.

bad deal

Implies an unfair arrangement or outcome.

ill-fated attempt

Highlights the inevitable failure of an endeavor.

in a bind

Describes a situation where someone is stuck or facing a difficult choice.

doomed venture

Focuses on the inevitable failure of a project or business.

FAQs

How can I use "losing hand" in a sentence?

You can use "losing hand" to describe a situation where someone is at a disadvantage or likely to fail, such as, "Despite his efforts, he was dealt a "losing hand" in the negotiation."

What are some alternatives to "losing hand"?

Alternatives include "unfavorable position", "disadvantageous situation", or "no-win scenario", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "losing hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "losing hand" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when discussing strategy, negotiations, or situations where risks are involved. It's common in "news and media" and formal settings.

What's the difference between "losing hand" and "difficult situation"?

"Losing hand" implies a near certainty of failure or a significant disadvantage, often with strategic implications, whereas "difficult situation" simply indicates a challenging circumstance that may still be overcome. It's more pessimistic than "difficult situation".