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loss
"at a loss,"

1. in a state of bewilderment or uncertainty; puzzled; perplexed:
We are completely at a loss for an answer to the problem.

2. uncertain what to do; bewildered.

3. rendered helpless (for lack of something):
at a loss for words.

4. uncertain as to how to proceed:
was at a loss to explain the discrepancy.

5. unable to produce what is needed:
at a loss for words.

6. of cost, etc:

a) at less than cost; at a financial loss.

b) at less than the cost of buying, producing, or maintaining (something):
the business ran at a loss for several years. 

"cut one's losses,"

withdraw from a losing situation:
They decided to close down the unprofitable branch and cut their losses. 

This expression uses cut in the sense of “reduce” (also see "cut down"). 

"dead loss" (informal):

1. a person, thing, or situation that is completely useless or unprofitable.

2. a complete loss for which no compensation is received.

"for a loss,"

into a state of distress:
events had thrown him for a loss.

Origin:

before 900; Middle English; Old English los destruction; cognate with Old Norse los looseness, breaking up. See lose, loose. British dictionary: C14: noun probably formed from lost, past participle of losen to perish, from Old English lōsian to be destroyed, from los destruction. —Dictionary.com. // 

First Known Use: 13th century. History and Etymology: Middle English los, probably back-formation from lost, past participle of losen to lose. —Merriam-Webster.

Sources: 1, 2.

Updated: 23 August 2020 {9:07 PM}
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