Antonyms for the phrase "carried the day" could include "lost," "failed," "fell short," "surrendered," "yielded," "gave up," or "conceded defeat." These words all imply a sense of defeat or disappointment, as opposed to the victory associated with "carried the day." Other antonyms could include "overruled," "countermanded," or "reversed," which suggest that a decision or outcome was overturned or reversed. These antonyms serve as a reminder that not every situation ends in triumph, and that sometimes it's important to acknowledge and accept defeat in order to move forward and try again.