avoir beau

to do in vain; to try in vain

→ avoir
phrase Uncommon #20,288
to do in vain; to try in vain Usually followed by an infinitive. Used when someone makes an effort but does not get the desired result.
FR: On peut dire « avoir beau » pour exprimer un effort vain.
EN: You can say “avoir beau” to express a futile effort.