count down

1. Count backward from any number to zero to indicate time, as in The final seconds before take off were counted down: 10, 9, 8, etc . The down in this term refers to the decreasing size of the numbers. This usage originated in connection with the firing of missiles and spacecraft and has since been broadened to such events as the roll call of states at a political convention. [c. 1950]

2. Make final preparations for an event, as in Hong Kong was counting down to the day when it became part of mainland China . This usage is derived from def. 1. [Late 1950s]

Example Sentences

She said she had been counting down the days to their wedding next September, adding that her wanting to marry Fury "would never have changed".

From BBC

Who better to oversee the United States Defense Department than someone with experience counting down.

From Los Angeles Times

The clock is counting down the hours until the highly anticipated results of the 2024 presidential election are revealed.

From Salon

So we're back with an updated version of Your Voice, Your Vote that can bring us together - not just when we're counting down to an election.

From BBC

"It's been a long process now and they're counting down the days for it to be off and they can start a new beginning elsewhere, either in the company or on their own."

From BBC