cutting losses
Abandoning failing investments
Cutting losses means ending a failing endeavor before the damage worsens.
The phrase comes from investing—selling a declining stock to prevent further loss—but applies broadly: After three failed attempts, she decided to cut her losses and move on.
The logic is that accepting a small loss now beats risking a larger one later.
- damage controlLimiting further harm
- damage limitationReducing negative consequences
- stop the bleedingControl active hemorrhage
- bail outRescue from trouble
- exit strategyPreplanned departure method
retreat · surrender · throw in towel · fold · walk away · call it quits · write off · salvage · minimize · sell off · cash out · abandon · let go · pull plug · sunk cost · liquidate · regroup · accept defeat
- quittingquit, resign, resignation, stop, end
- trading slangbull, short, long, dip, pump
- desperate measureslast resort, desperate plea, desperation move, last ditch, last chance
- bold movesrisk, dare, gambit, leap, leap of faith
cutting lossesdoubling down
Strengthening a risky commitment
throwing good money after bad · digging in · pressing on · persevering · holding on
cutting losseschasing losses
Gambling more after losing
doubling down · throwing good money after bad · going all in · betting the farm · averaging down
cuts, cutter, cutters, cutting, cuttings, loss, losses, lose, loses