无功而返 wú gōng ér fǎn

return without success; come back with nothing

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. to return without any achievement (idiom); to go home with one's tail between one's legs

Characters

Character Meaning
无 wú HSK 4
not; no; not to have
功 gōng HSK 4
meritorious deed or service; achievement; accomplishment
而 ér HSK 3
and; but (not); (indicates contrast)
返 fǎn HSK 5
to return (to)