# take a dive

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-a-dive
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To feign a knockout in order to lose intentionally.

## Examples

- The boxer decided to take a dive in the third round.
- Everyone suspected the fighter took a dive because he fell down without being hit.
- The investigation revealed that the champion had been bribed to take a dive, forever tarnishing his reputation in the sport.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.