strong indications of defeat; appears headed for defeat
Rare expression used when a team or side shows clear signs of losing. Often found in sports or competition contexts.
In the final stages of the match, the team that looked headed for defeat did not ease up on their attacks.
A more general term for an unfavorable situation, not limited to sports or clear defeat.
Compound of 敗色 (signs of defeat) + が + 濃い (thick, strong). The exact origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of describing a situation as 'thick' with a certain quality.