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to give up something as a bad job
[give] {sth} up as a bad jobto give up something as a bad job
01
to decide that it is impossible to help something succeed because there seems to be no hope
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "give someone or something up as a bad job" and when to use it?
The idiom "give someone or something up as a bad job" originates from British English and dates back to the 19th century. It signifies the act of abandoning a task, goal, or endeavor due to the belief that it is no longer achievable or worthwhile, often after experiencing multiple difficulties or setbacks. It is used to reflect the sense of resignation or acceptance that further efforts would be futile.
Examples
After months of flooding, the construction workers had to give up rebuilding the damaged bridge as a bad job.
The firefighters gave up trying to control the five-alarm fire and had to let it burn itself out as a bad job.
