daʊn fɔːr ðə kaʊnt
Sports
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- a boxer lying on the canvas while the referee counts to ten
What does "down for the count" mean?
- defeated or unable to continue
- extremely tired or unconscious
Examples
- After working three double shifts in a row, I was down for the count.
- The flu had him down for the count for an entire week.
- Their competitor's new product has them down for the count.
Origin
From boxing, where a knocked-down fighter has ten seconds to get back up.
How to use it
Used to describe someone who is exhausted, defeated, or incapacitated.
Similar expressions
out of commission
knocked out
finished
wiped out
Opposites
up and running
back on one's feet
Related idioms
- no pain no gain
Success requires hard work and sacrifice
- ball is in your court
It's your turn to take action or make a decision
- like riding a bicycle
A skill that, once learned, is never forgotten
- drop the ball
To fail to do something important; to make a mistake
- level playing field
A situation where everyone has an equal opportunity
- on the ball
Alert and competent
Use it in a practice answer
Try "down for the count" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.