Phrase guide

have nothing to lose

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be in a situation that could improve by doing something and that will not be any worse if it fails.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • to have nothing to lose and everything to gain
  • you have nothing to lose but your chains
  • They say that nothing is more dangerous than a man who has nothing to lose.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.