Choose the losing side
Meaning
To intentionally support or align oneself with a party, idea, or conflict that is destined to fail or be defeated.
Origin
The phrase "choose the losing side" taps into a universal human observation: some individuals, whether through misguided loyalty, stubborn conviction, or simply a consistent knack for poor judgment, invariably align themselves with the cause or party destined for defeat. While no single historical moment birthed this exact wording, its roots twist through centuries of human conflict and competition. From ancient battles where commanders backed the weaker kingdom, to political arenas where a politician clung to an unpopular policy, the pattern was clear. It’s a wry, sometimes exasperated, commentary on a predictable failure of foresight, capturing the tragicomic flaw of those who, time and again, seem to gravitate towards the inevitable downfall.
Examples
- Despite all the evidence, he always seems to choose the losing side in every political debate.
- Betting on that struggling startup was clearly choosing the losing side, as it went bankrupt within a year.