in vain

[in vain] {adv. phr.}

1. Without effect; without getting the desired result; without success.

* /The drowning man called in vain for help./

* /To cry over spilled milk is to cry in vain./

Compare: GO FOR NOTHING, NO USE. 2. See: TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms


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	take one's name in vain [take one's name in vain] {v. phr.} 1. To call upon (God) as a witness ... A Dictionary of American Idioms vain [vain] See: IN VAIN, TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN. A Dictionary of American Idioms Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) Take not God's name in vain; select a time when it will have effect. www.sky-net-eye.com American Idioms American Idiomatic Expressions This online dictionary of idioms is based on original book by ... Dictionary of American Idioms to no avail(2) [to no avail(2)] {adv. phr.}, {formal} Without result; unsuccessfully. * /John tried to pull the ... A Dictionary of American Idioms name [name] See: CALL NAMES, HANDLE TO ONE'S NAME, IN NAME, TAKE ONE'S NAME IN VAIN, ... A Dictionary of American Idioms J. De La Bruyere A vain man finds it wise to speak good or ill of himself; a modest ... www.sky-net-eye.com

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