English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Down for the count
Meaning
The idiom "down for the count" means to be completely knocked out or unconscious. It can also mean to be defeated or to fail badly. The phrase originated from boxing, where fighters are counted out by the referee after they have been knocked down multiple times.
Usage
- After the hard-fought match, the fighter was declared down for the count when he failed to get back up.
- The company's stock price took a hit and was down for the count after several poor financial reports.
- When the car crashed into a tree, the driver was immediately knocked unconscious and found down for the count.
- After years of trying to start her own business, she finally gave up and was down for the count.
- The football team lost the game and were down for the count when they failed to score any more points. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used in a positive way, such as when referring to a fighter who is knocked out but still alive and able to recover. It can also be used in a negative way, such as when referring to a company that has failed or a person who has lost hope.
Roots and History
The idiom "down for the count" dates back to the late 19th century and is believed to have originated from boxing. In boxing matches, fighters are counted out by the referee when they fail to get up within a certain amount of time. If a fighter is knocked down three times or more, he is declared down for the count and loses the fight. Over time, the phrase has taken on a metaphorical meaning and is used to describe situations where someone has been defeated or lost hope. In contemporary language, it can also be used to describe someone who has given up or surrendered.
Synonyms in English
- out of commission
- put out of action
- unable to function
- at a loss
- downhearted
Synonyms in other languages
- En français: Mis à l'eau (literal translation: "put out of water"), meaning to be defeated or overwhelmed.
- In Spanish: Derrotado/a (meaning defeated or vanquished).
- In German: Besiegt/a (meaning defeated or conquered).
- In Italian: Sconfitto/a (meaning defeated or vanquished).
- In Japanese: 仕棄されている (meaning to be fired or let go), often used in a negative context.