Gear up to fight a lost battle

[chitraaa]

If someone is fighting for a lost cause, can I say:
"He is gearing up to fight a lost battle."

 

[emsr2d2]

No. If the metaphorical battle hasn't started yet, you can't call it "lost". Say "He's fighting a losing battle" or "He's gearing up to/getting ready to fight a losing battle".