ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take the count

idiom
Meaning

To lose or fail.


Examples
SIMPLE

The team took the count after losing the final game.

CONTEXTUAL

The small business took the count when the new competitor opened across the street.

COMPLEX

Despite his initial confidence, the politician took the count once the final election results confirmed his defeat.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  2. 02

    count angels on pinheads

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

  3. 03

    count noses

    To count people one at a time.

  4. 04

    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.

  5. 05

    count one's days

    To prepare for imminent retribution or termination.

  6. 06

    count sheep

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

  7. 07

    count to five

    Synonym of count to ten.

  8. 08

    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.

Last updated April 17, 2026