lose ground
lose ground {v. phr.}
1. To go backward; retreat.
The soldiers began to lose ground when their leader was killed.
Compare: GIVE GROUND.
2. To become weaker; get worse; not improve.
The sick man began to lose ground when his cough grew worse.
When the Democrats are in power, the Republicans lose ground.
Contrast: GAIN GROUND.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms