run like a dry creek

verb2

1. •
   (US, informal) To run for political office with little chance of success.

   • The Scripps-Howard newspapers, which are supporting Eisenhower, criticized Ike for "running like a dry creek." — 1952
2. •
   (US, informal) To run (in various senses) badly or not at all.

   • Carlyle had a brief trial in the big leagues with the Red Sox and the Yankees. But he ran like a dry creek and was weak of arm. — 1956