count down

1. Count backward from any number to zero to indicate time, as in The final seconds before take off were counted down: 10, 9, 8, etc . The down in this term refers to the decreasing size of the numbers. This usage originated in connection with the firing of missiles and spacecraft and has since been broadened to such events as the roll call of states at a political convention. [c. 1950]

2. Make final preparations for an event, as in Hong Kong was counting down to the day when it became part of mainland China . This usage is derived from def. 1. [Late 1950s]

Example Sentences

To mark the occasion, we count down the best of a Bond staple: the opening action scene.

From The Daily Beast

So from sexy vampires to philandering physicians, we count down the most seemingly inappropriate Sesame Street spoofs.

From The Daily Beast

But that doesn't count down here, where everybody goes back to William the Conqueror.

From Project Gutenberg

I do not imagine he will ever be able to count down guineas against her guineas, or that he wants to do anything so absurd.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps there were ten of them—these galloping dots were hard to count—down in the distant bottom across the river.

From Project Gutenberg

A moment later the count-down began, and he began setting up for departure.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, leave out the ‘My dear Mallowe,’ and beginning with the next as the first line, count down five lines.

From Project Gutenberg