1
general::
Phrase(s): go for nothing
1. Lit. [for something] to be done for no purpose. • All our work went for nothing. • Our efforts at helping out went for nothing. 2. Fig. [for something] to be sold for a very low price. • This merchandise can go for nothing; let’s just clear it out at 90 percent off. • I don’t want this good stuff to just go for nothing.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Be useless, serve no purpose. For example, He lost the case, so all our efforts on his behalf went for nothing. [Late 1500s] Also see GO FOR, def. 2.
American Heritage Idioms