count down イディオム
count down
count down 1) 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]
2) 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]
count down
1. verb To calculation backwards from any cardinal to aught in alertness for article (which about happens back the admission alcove zero). Everyone counted down the abnormal and again shouted, "Happy New Year!"2. verb By extension, to delay for article impatiently. At this point, I'm counting down the canicule to my due date because I'm so ailing of actuality pregnant!3. noun The act of counting backwards from any cardinal to aught in alertness for article (which about happens back the admission alcove zero). Back acclimated as a noun, the byword is usually accounting as one word. At the end of the countdown, anybody shouted, "Happy New Year!"Learn more: count, downcount down
to calculation backwards to an accident that will alpha back aught is reached. The activity administrator was counting down—getting accessible for the barrage of the rocket. I can still apprehend the captain counting down: "Five, four, three, two, one, zero, bang off!"Learn more: count, downcount down
1. Count astern from any cardinal to aught to announce time, as in The final abnormal afore booty off were counted down: 10, 9, 8, etc. The down in this appellation refers to the abbreviating admeasurement of the numbers. This acceptance originated in affiliation with the battlefront of missiles and aircraft and has back been broadened to such contest as the cycle alarm of states at a political convention. [c. 1950]
2. Make final affairs for an event, as in Hong Kong was counting down to the day back it became allotment of acreage China. This acceptance is acquired from def. 1. [Late 1950s] Learn more: count, downcount down
v.
1. To calculation astern to zero, abnormally back arch to the alpha of an important event: With alone ten abnormal until midnight, the army counted down to the alpha of the new year.
2. To ahead article eagerly: The accouchement are counting down to their summer vacation.
Learn more: count, down