Days are numbered
We use this expression to describe a situation in which a manager (or player) is about to lose their job: they are under intense pressure (Similar to dead man walking).
- Example: If Fabio Cappello loses to Croatia his days as England coach will be numbered.
- Example: Despite winning the Champions League Roberto di Matteo’s days at Chelsea were always numbered.
We also discussed this phrase back in 2007: Days are numbered mp3
This phrase means that something is not going to last a long time. And we usually use this with a person as the subject. For example, Martin Jola€™s days are numbered at Tottenham, or Sammy Leea€™s days are numbered at Bolton. And indeed Shevchenkoa€™s days at Chelsea could be numbered as he didna€™t impress his boss Jose Mourinho. So, when we say somebodya€™s days are numbered we mean we dona€™t believe that they will last long in their job. They will soon lose their job. Now, out of those three Ia€™ve just mentioned, Martin Jol, Sammy Lee and Shevchenko, I believe that Sammy Leea€™s days are really numbered at Bolton.
