Antonyms for the phrase "inning the hunt" include "failing to find," "losing the trail," and "coming up empty." When someone is "inning the hunt," they are actively pursuing a goal or objective, particularly in a competitive context. However, if they fail to find what they are looking for or lose the trail of their target, they are no longer "inning the hunt." Instead, they may feel frustrated or discouraged at their lack of progress. It's important to remember that in any pursuit, there are both successes and setbacks, and it's essential to stay motivated and persistent even when facing obstacles or setbacks.