British, informal to be in a situation where it is impossible to succeed.
We were on a hiding to nothing trying to get more money out of the government.
idiombe on a hiding to nothing BrEBrEto have no chance of succeeding at something you are trying to do:Despite having spent record amounts of money on new players this season, Northampton are on a hiding to nothing.Without the goodwill of the local people, the forestry commission is on a hiding to nothing.
be on a hiding to nothing
slang To be likely to fail; to be in a futile situation. You're on a hiding to nothing if you think you're going to get a raise out of the boss.
be on a ˌhiding to ˈnothing
(British English, informal) have no hope of succeeding, whatever happens: The Government is on a hiding to nothing in these elections.