take a dive
Lose on purpose
To take a dive is to lose deliberately, especially in boxing or other sports where someone has been paid to throw the match: The fighter took a dive in the third round.
The phrase evokes a boxer falling to the canvas on purpose.
Extended to any situation where someone intentionally fails or lets something collapse: The stock took a dive after the scandal.
Restored or immovable
- thrownPropelled by arm
- tankingDeclining rapidly, collapsing
- point-shavingIntentionally limiting victory margin
- bettingStaking money on outcomes
bribery · corruption · collusion · scandal · payoff · kickback · underworld · mobster
fixed
Restored or immovable
- thrownPropelled by arm
- tankingDeclining rapidly, collapsing
- point-shavingIntentionally limiting victory margin
betting · bribery · corruption · collusion · scandal · payoff · kickback · underworld · mobster · gambler
nosedive
Sudden steep descent
crash · tumble · descent · freefall · collapse · tank · crater · slump · downturn · decline
- failingfail, fails, collapse, flop, bomb
- dirty tacticsdirty trick, dirty tricks, dirty pool, foul play, cheap shot
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, punch, knockout
take a diveplay it straight
Behave honestly, without guile
leave it all on the field · play fair · play by the rules · keep it clean
take a divefight to the finish
Contest until decisive end
go all out · leave nothing in the tank · go down swinging · leave it all on the field · never say die
take a divekeep it clean
take, dive, mistake, taken, taking, mistaken, overtake, takes, mistakes