# take the count

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-the-count
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To lose or fail.

## Examples

- The team took the count after losing the final game.
- The small business took the count when the new competitor opened across the street.
- Despite his initial confidence, the politician took the count once the final election results confirmed his defeat.

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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.