Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

down-for-the-count

idiomatic expression

/daʊn fɔr ðə kaʊnt/

Definition

In a condition of defeat or incapacitation; unable to continue due to exhaustion or setback.

Examples

After the long meeting, I felt completely down-for-the-count and needed a nap.
Even though they faced several obstacles, the team was not down-for-the-count and managed to keep pushing forward.
She thought she was down-for-the-count after the breakup, but she eventually found her strength again.

Meaning

This phrase often refers to someone or something that is out of action, especially after an overwhelming challenge or defeat, resembling a boxer who is knocked down and unable to continue fighting before the referee counts to ten.