cut one's losses

Definitions

To discontinue something to put a stop to continued losses after facing that it is unlikely it will ever bear fruit.

Equivalents

Examples

“But our culture has reinforced the belief that a good marriage just happens, and if it doesn't, you should simply cut⟳ your losses and move⟳ on to the next partner. After all, that's what we see⟳ in the movies.”

“I mentioned already in this chapter that you need⟳ to cut⟳ your losses before they drag⟳ you down. No matter⟳ how much it hurts and no matter⟳ how much you believe⟳ that you are right, you need⟳ to close⟳ out a losing position and move⟳ on.”

“Sometimes when things are not going as you expected, it's better to cut⟳ your losses and move⟳ on than to hang⟳ on and deal⟳ with the stress⟳, financial drain, emotional drag⟳, and loss of time.”

CEFR level