Empty-handed (adjective)

1. Having nothing in one's possession or control.
2. Having failed to achieve or acquire what one set out to do.

Origin:

The phrase empty-handed comes from the idea of having empty hands, meaning not having anything in your hands or not having achieved what you set out to do.

Examples:

1. He left the store empty-handed, unable to find what he was looking for.
2. She returned empty-handed from her job search.
3. The thief left the house empty-handed as the alarm went off.
4. The company left the negotiations empty-handed, unable to secure the deal.
5. He returned empty-handed from his hunting trip.