count down
Idioms-
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]
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
The victory at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, extends the Red Roses' winning run to 25 games as they count down to the home Rugby World Cup that starts in August.
From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2025
It’s not enough and it’s never going to be enough, so I slowly count down from ten in my head and at zero we’re done.
From "What If It's Us" by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
