Defeat

The origins of The idiom "out of the running" are unclear, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a political candidate who has dropped out of a race to a sports team that has been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe a person or thing that is no longer considered a viable option for a particular opportunity or goal.

The idiom "wide of the mark" originates from archery, where the "mark" refers to the target that the archer is aiming for. If an archer misses the target completely, their arrow would be said to have gone "wide of the mark." The idiom can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from a statement that is completely false to a plan that is based on incorrect assumptions. It is often used to criticize or dismiss someone or something as being completely off-base or misguided.

The idiom "comedy of errors" comes from a play by William Shakespeare called "The Comedy of Errors," which features a series of mistaken identities and miscommunications that escalate into a series of comedic misunderstandings. The phrase is often used to describe situations in which a series of mistakes or misunderstandings compound upon one another, leading to a humorous or absurd outcome. It can be used in a wide range of contexts, from personal relationships to business or political situations.

The origins of the phrase "dog days" can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed that the star Sirius, also known as the "Dog Star," rose in conjunction with the sun during the hottest part of the summer. This period was associated with drought, sickness, and other hardships. Today, the phrase "dog days" is often used to describe a period of hardship or adversity, whether it be personal or societal.

The idiom "miss the boat" comes from the idea of a boat or ship leaving a dock or port, and someone arriving too late to board it. The idiom can be used in a wide range of situations, from missing a job opportunity to failing to invest in a profitable venture. It is often used to express regret or disappointment at having missed out on something that was potentially valuable or rewarding.

The phrase "dead man walking" originated in American prisons in the 20th century, where it was used to alert staff members that a death row inmate was being led to their execution. The phrase was reportedly first used in the 1980s by a corrections officer in Louisiana, and was later popularized by the 1995 movie "Dead Man Walking." The phrase has since been used more broadly to describe a person or group who is in imminent danger of facing a negative consequence or punishment, or who is likely to lose something of great value or importance to them.

The idiom "dead duck" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, and was likely inspired by the image of a duck that has been shot and killed, and is therefore no longer of any use. This phrase is often used to describe someone or something that is doomed to fail or no longer has a chance of success.

The idiom "come a cropper" is believed to have emerged in Britain in the early 19th century, and may have originally referred to a horse that stumbled and fell during a race. This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone has experienced a sudden and unexpected setback or failure, often as a result of their own actions or decisions.

The idiom "dead end" is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and was originally used to describe a street or road that has no outlet or exit. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has reached a point where there is no way forward, or where further efforts are unlikely to be successful.

The idiom "dead in the water" has its roots in the practical observation of a vessel that becomes motionless and essentially stuck, resembling a lifeless object floating on the water. This phrase is used in a range of contexts or occasions to describe situations where progress or success has ceased, or where there is a significant obstacle hindering any forward movement. It is commonly employed in business, politics, sports, and everyday conversations.

The idiom "dead in the water is believed to have originated in the context of sailing or boating, where a vessel that has lost power or momentum is said to be "dead in the water." This phrase is often used to describe a project, plan, or initiative that has stalled or failed to make progress. It can also be used to describe a person or organization that has encountered insurmountable obstacles or setbacks, and is unable to move forward.

The idiom "down for the count" is believed to have originated in the sport of boxing, where a boxer who is knocked down by their opponent must remain on the mat for a count of ten before they can continue the fight. This phrase is often used more broadly to describe a person who has been defeated or overcome, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.

The idiom "go down in the world" is believed to have originated in Britain in the 19th century, and may have originally referred to a person who had fallen from a position of wealth or prominence due to financial difficulties or other setbacks. The phrase is often used to describe a person who has experienced a significant decline in their social or economic status.

The idiom "yesterday's man" is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, and may have originally referred to a politician or public figure who had lost their power or influence. This idiom is often used to describe a person who is seen as outdated or out of touch with current trends or attitudes.

The idiom "draw a blank" is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century, and may have originally referred to a card game where a player is unable to draw a card they need. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is unable to come up with ideas or solutions to a problem, despite their best efforts.

The idiom "the writing is on the wall" is believed to have originated in the Bible, where it was said to have been written on the wall during a feast in ancient Babylon as a warning of impending doom. It is often used to describe a situation where there are clear signals or indications that a situation is about to change or that something is about to happen.

The idiom "take someone to the cleaners" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. This phrase can also be used to describe a situation where someone is defeated or outmaneuvered in a thorough or humiliating way, often resulting in a significant loss or setback.

A wooden spoon award is a humorous or ironic prize given to someone who has performed the worst in a competition or contest. It is usually a literal wooden spoon, but sometimes it can be just a name or a title. The origin of this award comes from the British tradition of awarding a wooden spoon to the lowest-scoring student in the mathematics exam at the University of Cambridge. The wooden spoon award has since spread to other English-speaking countries and can be used for various academic, sporting or fun events.