Wiktionary
vb. 1 (context idiomatic boxing English) To feign a knockout in order to lose intentionally. 2 (context idiomatic English) To lose or fail intentionally.
WordNet
v. of a boxer: pretend to be knocked out
Usage examples of "take a dive".
If we get dizzy again and take a dive on the rug, Winnie will be in here like a shot-and from then on they'll feed us through the bars.
If we get dizzy again and take a dive on the rug, Winnie will be in here like a shot—.
You were supposed to go in there, let him get in a stomach cut, and take a dive.
If the man wanted him to take a dive, he'd do it, but he wanted to be sure it was as spectacular as possible.
If you take a dive that means I'll have to disarm the damned thing myself-with no one to hold me.
If the train didn't pass through here and take a dive in the Hudson, where did it go?