count down

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

Friday’s filing came as Berkshire investors and observers begin to count down the final days of Buffett’s long run as chief executive and top investor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 14, 2025

The number of active U.S. oil rigs has fallen by 65 so far this year, with the weekly count down by six, to 414 rigs as of Oct.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 5, 2025

But as we count down the days to its triumphant return, I have a gentle proposal.

From Salon • Jun. 18, 2025

On this week’s Amicus podcast Dahlia Lithwick asked Seligman to share the legal and extralegal scenarios that are keeping him up at night as we count down to Nov. 5.

From Slate • Oct. 21, 2024

I know exactly what she’s about to say, so I count down in my head.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi