It has lost its confidence, succumbed to bullying and pressure.
But like many towns in the shadow of a bigger city, in this case Manchester, it has lost its confidence – along with its place in the premiership when Bolton Wanderers were relegated two years ago (the two things may not be unrelated).
It seems to have lost its confidence and identity.
Nor does the movie, even as it tilts toward a busy climax, lose its confidence that a good story is not just about some crazy stuff that happens but also about the voice that does the telling.
"It was a false dawn as the side lost its confidence with injuries piling up, and a fall down the table was only steadied in the second half of the season with four loan signings from higher-placed clubs.
But if he insists on trying to fool the public, he will lose its confidence and dissipate the good will necessary to govern.
And the public has lost its confidence in the commander-in-chief.A Gallup poll on December 12th revealed that, among people who had an opinion on the report, a five-to-one margimplementingitslementing its recommendations.
Pushed and pulled in different directions by national governments over the years, and weakly led by Mr Santer, the commission has lost its confidence, its sense of purpose, and any clear sense of priorities.
Jack Capuano was coaching a minor league team in Bridgeport, Conn., in November when the Islanders called and asked him to stabilize their team, which had lost its confidence, several players to injury and 10 games in a row.
And the Labour party seems to have lost its confidence and ability to talk about investment-led growth in a way that enables both business and the public sector to think big again.
