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I am trying to remember the phrase that describes a particular kind of folly - trying to "beat the house", or willingness to play a rigged game. As I recall it has the form of "a fool's errand" - that is, the game is referred to as belonging to the person who is silly enough to play it. I'd appreciate knowing the origin of the phrase, too.

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  • Speaking of which, you just lost The Game.
    – Adam
    Mar 1, 2011 at 17:45
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    @advs89: So did you. :P
    – Tragicomic
    Mar 3, 2011 at 11:03

2 Answers 2

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A little reflection brought to mind the phrase I was seeking: A Mug's Game. Originated 1910.

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  • Aw, man, I knew that one.
    – chaos
    Mar 1, 2011 at 17:46
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The phrase "it is a fool's game" seems common and idiomatic enough.

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