1.
nothing to lose; might as well try
The attitude of attempting something with the expectation that failure is the baseline — if it fails, you're no worse off, and if it succeeds, it's a bonus. Short for 駄目で元々 (failure is the starting point).
駄目元で応募してみた。
I applied just to give it a shot.
駄目元で聞いてみたら、OKだった。
I asked just on the off chance, and they said yes.
受かるかどうかわからないけど、駄目元で挑戦してみる価値はある。
I don't know if I'll pass, but it's worth giving it a try with nothing to lose.
駄目元 is a colloquial abbreviation of 駄目で元々 ("failure is the starting point"). The idea is that since the default outcome is failure, there is no downside to trying.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 駄目元で～する (to do something with nothing to lose)
- 駄目元で～してみる (to try something with the attitude of nothing to lose)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 駄目元で頼む (to ask with nothing to lose)
- 駄目元で応募する (to apply just to try)
- 駄目元で挑戦する (to give it a try)
This expression is very common in casual speech and conveys a positive, low-pressure attitude toward challenges.