down for the count
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Defeated, finished, doomed, as in I doubt if he'll ever leave the hospital; his illness really has him down for the count. This expression alludes to the losing boxer, unable to get to his feet before the umpire has counted to ten (the count). [1920s]
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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
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Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Words nearby down for the count
Downey, downfall, downfallen, downfield, downforce, down for the count, downgrade, downgrowth, downhaul, downhearted, downhill
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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