down for the count

idiomatic phrase

variants or out for the count

of a boxer

: knocked down and unable to get up again before the referee counts to 10

The boxer was down for the count.

—often used figuratively

The company is in trouble and may be about to go down for the count.

I was really sleepy and two minutes after getting into bed, I was out for the count.

Examples of down for the count in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

But Phil and wife Vivian (Cassandra Freeman) aren't down for the count quite yet. —

Alanna Bennett, refinery29.com, 26 July 2024 Brita might've fallen on stage during a recent performance, but the RuPaul's Drag Race season 12 star isn't down for the count this Pride season. —

EW.com, 13 June 2024 Nevin not down for the count Mateo is on the roster, but there are still one or two infield spots left to claim. —

Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2024 The Wisconsin men’s hockey team refused to go down for the count Saturday. —

Journal Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for down for the count

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of down for the count was in 1900

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Down for the count.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/down%20for%20the%20count. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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