General
under the cosh
What does under the cosh mean?
When a team is being battered and forced to defend desperately for a spell.
"We were under the cosh for the whole second half."
Origin
British slang; a 'cosh' is a bludgeon, so being 'under the cosh' is being beaten down.
Frequently asked questions
What does under the cosh mean?
It means being under sustained heavy pressure, forced to defend desperately as the opposition dominates a spell of the game.
Where does the phrase under the cosh come from?
A 'cosh' is a British word for a bludgeon or club, so being 'under the cosh' means being beaten down and battered.
Is under the cosh only used in football?
No, it is general British slang for being under intense pressure in any situation, though it is very common in football commentary.
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