suck the mop

idiomatic slang UK obsolete

(slang, idiomatic) To be left in a disadvantageous position. / (slang, idiomatic, UK, obsolete) Of a bus: to be deliberately boxed in by another so as to lose the opportunity to pick up passengers.

Japanese Meaning

不利な状況に置かれる、または追い込まれる状態になること / （英国の古いスラング）バスにおいて、他のバスに意図的に囲い込まれ、乗客を拾う機会が失われる状態になること

What is this buttons?

When the deal fell through, our department had to suck the mop and accept the blame.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

取引が破談になったとき、私たちの部署は損な役回りを引き受けて責任を負わされた。

Details

Sense（1）

(slang, idiomatic) To be left in a disadvantageous position.

Kathy says Much obliged, but what I don't appreciate about this piece of moral news is the pairing of successful writer with sexy hotshot lit prof, which leaves us pregnant librarians and failed playwrights sucking the mop.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation