Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be counted out; to remain down while the referee counts to ten: In the sport of boxing, this phrase specifically means to lose a match by failing to stand up before the referee finishes a ten-count after being knocked down.

Usage

• This term is used almost exclusively in the context of boxing or other combat sports with similar rules. It describes the specific action (or inaction) of a fighter that leads to a knockout loss. It is typically used in the past tense.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The champion took the count in the third round, losing his title.
  • He was dazed and couldn't recover in time, so he took the count.

Advanced Usage

• "to take the full count": This is a common variant emphasizing that the fighter remained down for the entire duration of the referee's count, from one to ten.
  • The challenger took the full count and the fight was over.

Variants and Related Words

• Counted out (adj.): The state of having lost by a referee's count.
  • He was counted out at 2:48 of the fifth round.

Synonyms

• Be knocked out (KO): To lose a fight by being rendered unable to continue, which includes taking the count.
• Succumb: To fail to resist, yielding to defeat (used more generally, but can apply in boxing).

Related Phrases

• Go down for the count: This is a closely related idiom with the same meaning.
  • After that powerful right hook, he went down for the count.

Verb

1. be counted out; remain down while the referee counts to ten