(poetic) New Zealand.

In a state of heightened vigilance, especially prior to battle.

(idiomatic, informal, sports, especially boxing) To willingly lose a match, as in a fixed fight.

Prepared to defend or protect against criticism, attack or aggression. / (sports) defending; playing a defensive game

(euphemistic, idiomatic, Britain) Synonym of go down the toilet: to fail; to degenerate rapidly.

(euphemistic, idiomatic, US) Synonym of go down the toilet: to fail; to degenerate rapidly.

(idiomatic) To deal with a problem or situation only if and when it arises.

(idiomatic) In need of refinement; unsophisticated.

(intransitive) At a casino etc., to win all the money that is available to be paid. / (intransitive, idiomatic) To exhaust one's financial resources.

The bearer of bad news should not be held accountable for it.