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We're down a man

🇬🇧 UK //wɪə d aʊn ə mæn// 🇺🇸 US //wɪr daʊn ə mæn//

Meaning of We're down a man

To indicate that a group has one person less than usual, often due to absence or injury.

In simple words: We have one fewer person in a group.

We're down a man in a sentence

• After the injury, the coach said, 'We're down a man now.'
• Due to illness, we're down a man for tonight's meeting.
• In the last game, we realized we're down a man, which made it tough.
• When the fire alarm went off, we found out we're down a man who didn't escape.
• In the competition, we're down a man and it could affect our chances.

How to use We're down a man

Commonly used in team sports or group activities to indicate a shortage of players or participants. It may not be appropriate in formal settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine a sports team losing a player during a game, now they're down a man.

Related words

Collocations with We're down a man

• down a member
• be down a man
• we're short on staff
• down one player
• down a colleague

Synonyms for We're down a man

• short-handed
• understrength
• missing
• deficient
• insufficient

Common mistakes with We're down a man

• Confused with 'we're down a member' which may sound overly formal.
• Using 'down' in a context where it means 'unhappy' instead of 'number lost'.

Frequently asked questions about We're down a man

What does We're down a man mean?

We have one fewer person in a group.

What is the definition of We're down a man?

To indicate that a group has one person less than usual, often due to absence or injury.

How do you use We're down a man in a sentence?

After the injury, the coach said, 'We're down a man now.'

Can you give another example of We're down a man?

Due to illness, we're down a man for tonight's meeting.

What are synonyms for We're down a man?

Common alternatives include short-handed, understrength, missing, deficient, insufficient.

What words go with We're down a man?

It commonly pairs with down a member, be down a man, we're short on staff, down one player, down a colleague.

What are common mistakes when using We're down a man?

Confused with 'we're down a member' which may sound overly formal. Using 'down' in a context where it means 'unhappy' instead of 'number lost'.

How do you pronounce We're down a man?

US: //wɪr daʊn ə mæn//, UK: //wɪə d aʊn ə mæn//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use We're down a man?

Commonly used in team sports or group activities to indicate a shortage of players or participants. It may not be appropriate in formal settings.