Definition

Verb (intransitive) 1. To pretend to be defeated, especially by falling down or being knocked out, when one is not genuinely overcome. This action is typically done deliberately and deceptively, often for an illicit purpose such as gambling fraud. * In boxing, it refers to a boxer deliberately falling to the canvas and pretending to be unable to continue, thereby losing the match on purpose.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a deliberate and secret act of feigning defeat. It implies dishonesty and is most commonly associated with corrupt sports, especially boxing. It is often used in the past tense to describe what happened.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The investigation revealed that the fighter took a dive in the third round.
  • Many fans suspected the champion had taken a dive because the punch didn't look that powerful.
  • He was paid a large sum of money to take a dive and lose the match.

Advanced Usage

• "to take a dive" (figurative): To deliberately perform poorly or fail in a non-physical context, such as in business or politics, often for a hidden advantage.
  • The company's stock seemed to take a dive after the suspicious earnings report. (Here, it implies a deliberate or engineered collapse.)
  • Critics accused the senator of taking a dive during the debate to help his opponent's campaign.

Variants and Related Words

• Throw a fight/match (verb phrase): A synonym meaning to lose a contest intentionally.
• Fix (noun/verb): The act of arranging the outcome of a contest illegally; to arrange such an outcome.
  • The match was a fix.
• Tank (verb, slang): To deliberately lose or perform poorly.

Synonyms

• Throw a fight
• Throw a match
• Tank (slang)
• Pretend to lose
• Take a fall

Related Idioms

• To take a fall: This can be a literal synonym in a boxing context. It also has a broader meaning of accepting blame or punishment for something, often for someone else.
  • The boxer took a fall in the second round. (Synonym for taking a dive)
  • He took the fall for the company's accounting error. (Accepted the blame)

Verb

1. pretend to be knocked out, as of a boxer