took a dive
Lost on purpose
Took a dive means to lose deliberately, especially in sports or fighting.
A boxer who takes a dive goes down on purpose, usually because he's been paid to throw the match: Everyone knew he took a dive in the third round.
The phrase extends to any intentional failure or sudden decline: The stock took a dive after the scandal broke.
- tankingDeclining rapidly, collapsing
- tumbleUncontrolled rolling descent
- fallDescend under gravity
- dropFall or release
- sinkBasin with drain
foul play · plunge · market crash · bottom fell out · sandbagging · rigging · decrease · slip · collusion · collapse · dishonesty · fraudulence · corruption · slump · deteriorate · manipulation · decline · went south