ENGLISH
REFERENCE

down for the count

idiom
Meaning

Decisively beaten; defeated; rendered irrelevant for the long term.


Origin

disputed origin

The figurative senses are extended from the literal one.

Examples
SIMPLE

The old computer is down for the count.

CONTEXTUAL

After the company lost its biggest client, many analysts thought the business was down for the count.

COMPLEX

Following the sudden collapse of the national economy, the once-thriving local industry was effectively down for the count, leaving thousands of workers without a future.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    count angels on pinheads

    To focus on obtaining the correct details of something which are largely irrelevant or unimportant.

  2. 02

    count noses

    To count people one at a time.

  3. 03

    count one's blessings

    To focus one's attention on the circumstances of one's life which are pleasant or fortunate, especially with the intention of diverting one's thoughts from serious or disagreeable matters.

  4. 04

    count one's days

    To prepare for imminent retribution or termination.

  5. 05

    count sheep

    To attempt to go to sleep by thinking of something boring, traditionally by counting imaginary sheep.

  6. 06

    count to five

    Synonym of count to ten.

  7. 07

    count to ten

    An expression used to describe or recommend a process for pausing to regain one's composure when one is on the verge of losing one's temper.

  8. 08

    count to three

    Synonym of count to ten.

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