give somebody/something up as a bad job

give (one) up as a bad job

To cease trying to get one to change because it seems like a futile task. Just give him up as a bad job—you'll never get him to be the responsible man you're looking for.See also: bad, give, job, up

give up (something) as a bad job

To cease a task or activity that one finds useless. A: "What should I do? The tent keeps blowing over in this wind." B: "Oh, just give it up as a bad job."See also: bad, give, job, up

give something up as a bad job

decide that it is futile to devote further time and energy to something. informal 2005 Theresa Green A Quiet Crusade Sixth was startled to such a degree that he actually got up out of his basket and followed Maddie around for almost ninety seconds before giving it up as a bad job and going back to bed. See also: bad, give, job, something, up

give somebody/something up as a bad ˈjob

(informal) decide that it is impossible to do something or to change somebody and then stop trying to do it: ‘Are you still studying Japanese?’ ‘No, I gave it up as a bad job. It was far too difficult for me!’See also: bad, give, job, somebody, something, up