down but not out
Temporarily set back
Down but not out describes someone who has suffered setbacks or defeat but hasn't given up—still capable of recovering or fighting back.
From boxing, where a knocked-down fighter who beats the count remains in the match: The company lost its biggest client but they're down, not out.
The phrase emphasizes resilience despite disadvantage.
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- never say dieRefusal to surrender
- second windRenewed energy after fatigue
- unbeatenNever having lost
- bloodiedSmeared with vital fluid
back on your feet · still standing · bloody but unbowed · tenacious · defiant · unbowed · resilient · undaunted · grit · take a licking · comeback · rising from the ashes · recovering · persistence · fighting spirit · on the ropes · count me out · underdog
down but not outgiven up
Ceased attempting something
surrendered · defeated · thrown in the towel · quit · finished
down but not outknocked out
Rendered unconscious by impact
eliminated · out of the running · out for the count · counted out · disqualified
down but not outhopeless
Beyond possibility of success
despairing · demoralized · despondent · beaten down · lost all hope
down, button, downtown, downfall, buttons, downhill, download, downgrade, downer