down for the count

idiomatic phrase

variants or out for the count

of a boxer

: knocked down and unable to get up again before the referee counts to 10

The boxer was down for the count.

—often used figuratively

The company is in trouble and may be about to go down for the count.

I was really sleepy and two minutes after getting into bed, I was out for the count.

Examples of down for the count in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sydney Sweeney’s latest movie was down for the count in its opening weekend at the box office. —Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025

What impressed her was how the resilient and courageous Martin was never down for the count. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 3 Nov. 2025

North Crowley finds a way At every point North Crowley seems down for the count, the Panthers have showcased the heart of a champion. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025

Reed put Uso down for the count, and Breakker speared Reigns through a barricade. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for down for the count

• account
• amount
• discount
• dismount
• recount
• remount
• seamount
• surmount
• fount
• mount
• rediscount
• subaccount