Take a dive
verb
To intentionally lose a competition, usually by underperforming.
The boxer was accused of taking a dive in the third round to collect a bribe.
Often appears as...
- take a dive in the game
- take a dive in the match
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To swiftly decrease in value or level.
After the announcement, the company's stocks took a dive.
Often appears as...
- stocks take a dive
- prices take a dive
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic, Technical
verb
To suddenly and rapidly descend, especially while scuba diving.
She donned her scuba gear and took a dive to explore the shipwreck.
Often appears as...
- take a dive in the ocean
- take a dive into the water
verb
To intentionally lose a competition, usually by underperforming.
The boxer was accused of taking a dive in the third round to collect a bribe.
Often appears as...
- take a dive in the game
- take a dive in the match
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To swiftly decrease in value or level.
After the announcement, the company's stocks took a dive.
Often appears as...
- stocks take a dive
- prices take a dive
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic, Technical
verb
To suddenly and rapidly descend, especially while scuba diving.
She donned her scuba gear and took a dive to explore the shipwreck.
Often appears as...
- take a dive in the ocean
- take a dive into the water
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'take a dive' implies dishonesty or cheating in sports.
The fans were outraged when they suspected the player had taken a dive.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
More common in casual conversation than formal speech.
Everyone in the bar thought the fighter took a dive.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's metaphorical; no actual 'diving' is involved.
The referee denied any players had taken a dive during the match.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'take a dive' implies dishonesty or cheating in sports.
The fans were outraged when they suspected the player had taken a dive.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
More common in casual conversation than formal speech.
Everyone in the bar thought the fighter took a dive.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's metaphorical; no actual 'diving' is involved.
The referee denied any players had taken a dive during the match.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'take a dive' implies dishonesty or cheating in sports.
The fans were outraged when they suspected the player had taken a dive.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
More common in casual conversation than formal speech.
Everyone in the bar thought the fighter took a dive.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
It's metaphorical; no actual 'diving' is involved.
The referee denied any players had taken a dive during the match.
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