loss.html - See: AT A LOSS, THROW FOR A LOSS.

loss.html - n.
1 the act or an instance of losing; the state of being lost.
2 a person, thing, or amount lost.
3 the detriment or disadvantage resulting from losing (that is no great loss).

at a loss (sold etc.) for less than was paid for it. be at a loss be puzzled or uncertain. be at a loss for words not know what to say. loss adjuster an insurance agent who assesses the amount of compensation arising from a loss. loss-leader an item sold at a loss to attract customers. [ME los, loss prob. back-form. f. lost, past part. of LOSE]

loss.html - See: HEADS I WIN, TAILS YOU LOSE.

loss.html - {v. phr.} To forget about something; not stay informed; fail to keep a count or record. * /What's the score now? I've lost track./ - Usually used with "of". * /Mary lost track of her friends at camp after summer was over./ * /John lost track of the money he spent at the circus./ Compare: OUT OF TOUCH. Contrast: KEEP TRACK.

loss.html - {v.} To be embarrassed or shamed by an error or failure; lose dignity, influence or reputation; lose self-respect or the confidence of others. * /Many Japanese soldiers were killed in World War II because they believed that to give up or retreat would make them lose face./ * /John's careless work made him lose face with his employer./ * /The banker lost face when people found out he bet on horse races./

loss.html - 1. To go backward; retreat. * /The soldiers began to lose ground when their leader was killed./ Compare: GIVE GROUND. 2. To become weaker; get worse; not improve. * /The sick man began to lose ground when his cough grew worse./ * /When the Democrats are in power, the Republicans lose ground./ Contrast: GAIN GROUND.