empty-handed

The incidents ranged from officers using batons, spray gas, leg restraints, spit hoods, and empty-handed force.

They were heading home empty-handed when data from a previous day of exploration, which had originally been unreadable, was finally cleaned up.

First, it provides something of value to everyone who plays, even if all but one contestant walks away empty-handed.

And the prime minister did not come empty-handed.

Some left town for Midwest industrial towns, but came home empty-handed, and felt shame at that.