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Fruitlessness Vocabulary Set in Failure: Full and Detailed List

The 'Fruitlessness' vocabulary set in 'Failure' is carefully selected from standard international textbook sources, helping you master vocabulary in a short time. Comprehensive compilation of definitions, illustrative examples, and standard pronunciation...

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carry coals to Newcastle

/ˈkæri koʊlz tu ˈnjuːˌkæsəl/

Example:

Bringing more blankets to the shelter would be like carrying coals to Newcastle; they already have plenty.

come to nothing

/kʌm tu ˈnʌθɪŋ/

Example:

All their efforts to save the company came to nothing.

down the drain

/daʊn ðə dreɪn/

Example:

All our efforts went down the drain when the project was cancelled.

fall on stony ground

/fɔl ɑn ˈstoʊni ɡraʊnd/

Example:

His warnings about the risks of the investment seemed to fall on stony ground.

go nowhere

/ɡoʊ ˈnoʊˌwɛr/

Example:

Our discussions about the new project seem to be going nowhere.

wild goose chase

/waɪld ɡuːs tʃeɪs/

Example:

Searching for the lost treasure turned out to be a complete wild goose chase.

be wise after the event

/biː waɪz ˈæftər ðə ɪˈvent/

Example:

It's easy to be wise after the event, but we made the best decision we could at the time.

boil the ocean

/bɔɪl ðə ˈoʊʃən/

Example:

Trying to implement all these features at once is like trying to boil the ocean.

put lipstick on a pig

/pʊt ˈlɪp.stɪk ɑːn ə pɪɡ/

Example:

Trying to fix that old car with a new paint job is like putting lipstick on a pig; it still won't run.

argue the toss

/ˈɑːrɡju ðə tɒs/

Example:

It's no use arguing the toss now, the deadline has passed.
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