rearguard action
noun/ˌrɪəɡɑːd ˈækʃn/
/ˌrɪrɡɑːrd ˈækʃn/
[usually singular]- a struggle to change or stop something even when it is not likely that you will succeed
- They have been fighting a rearguard action for two years to stop their house being demolished.
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rearguard action