take the count

The phrase "take the count" originates from boxing, where a referee counts to ten after a boxer is knocked down.

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Definition

B2Boxing

(technical, sports)To be unable to rise and continue fighting within the referee's count of ten, resulting in a knockout.

Example

The boxer took the count after a powerful punch from his opponent.

B2General

(idiomatic)To be defeated or to fail, often used metaphorically.

Example

After losing the final game, the team took the count and exited the tournament.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "take the count":

count in take a number count noses head count cell count count out stand up and be counted take the point count down body count tot up take inventory tally on keep score count chickens counting room down for the count take it reckon up behind in the count where it counts double counting