causa perdida
1. A person or thing that cannot be saved, helped, or changed; something regarded as hopeless or futile
After three failed attempts, he considered the project a lost cause.
Após três tentativas falhadas, ele considerou o projeto uma causa perdida.
2. An enterprise or endeavor that is unlikely to succeed or has no chance of success
Trying to convince him to change his mind is a lost cause.
Tentar convencê-lo a mudar de ideia é uma causa perdida.
3. A person who is beyond redemption or correction
Some thought he was a lost cause, but he eventually turned his life around.
Alguns pensavam que ele era uma causa perdida, mas eventualmente mudou sua vida.
This phrase is used similarly in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese to express resignation about hopeless situations. In Brazilian culture, it may be softened with humor or resignation ('é coisa sem jeito'), while in Portugal the term 'caso perdido' might reference a person specifically. The expression reflects a pragmatic acceptance of failure common in both cultures.
NYC Slang
a total write-off / a no-go / dead in the water
Related Idioms & Phrases
fight for a lost cause - lutar por uma causa perdida
a lost cause from the start - uma causa perdida desde o início
supporting a lost cause - apoiar uma causa perdida
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