das Drauflegegeschäft
Translation
losing business, unprofitable transaction, money-losing deal
Examples
Der Kauf des alten Hauses war ein Drauflegegeschäft.
The purchase of the old house was a losing business.
Grammar Patterns
to be/to make a losing business ((et4)) Der Kauf war ein Drauflegegeschäft.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Verlustgeschäft, Minusgeschäft; Antonyms: Gewinngeschäft, lukratives Geschäft
Etymology
From 'drauflegen' (to add on top, pay extra) + 'Geschäft' (business). Literally a 'put-on-top business,' meaning you have to put more money in than you get out.
Memory Tips
Imagine having to 'lay' (legen) more money 'on top' (drauf) of a business deal. That's a losing deal.