What is down for the count?

• Meaning: "Down for the count" typically means being defeated, incapacitated, or unable to continue, either literally or figuratively.

• Origin: The expression comes from boxing, where a boxer who is knocked down must rise to their feet before the referee counts to ten; otherwise, they are "down for the count" and lose the match.

• Figurative Usage: In everyday language, "down for the count" can refer to someone who is:

  • Ill or exhausted: Feeling sick and unable to get out of bed.
  • Defeated in a competition or argument: Having lost a battle of wills or a game.
  • Overwhelmed by circumstances: Feeling like life's problems are too much to handle.

• Example: "After working all night, I was completely down for the count the next day."

• Synonyms: Some synonyms for "down for the count" include: defeated, knocked out, finished, out of action, incapacitated, and out of commission.