on the ropes
15
7.7
- idiom
- Informal
:
contra las cuerdas
- After losing several key contracts, the startup found itself on the ropes and struggling to stay afloat.
- get on the ropes
- put on the ropes
- find themselves on the ropes
And that was that the way that it happened, it was a it, it, it put you on the ropes because it blindsided you.
- And that was that the way that it happened, it was a it, it, it put you on the ropes because it blindsided you.
Examples
-
Ayup, it looks like the repugs are on the ropes; it reminds me of Bush 1's "a kinder and gentler nation."
Blog text (17) -
Big labor is on the ropes and does not have near the power it once had.
Blog text (24) -
We got these men on the ropes right now.
-
We got them on the ropes!
-
I had him on the ropes.
-
England, after all, was on the ropes by the time America came in to help out.
Blog text (29) -
Washington State had Colorado on the ropes for most of the game.
Blog text (25) -
We are on the ropes, but we got a few rounds left.
-
Keeping the bond markets open is absolutely vital at a time when corporate profitability is on the ropes.
Blog text (3) -
He's on the ropes.
Synonyms
11
7.5
You are unable to deal with something because you have no patience or energy
8
4.2
In a difficult situation that is hard to get out of
3
9.6
In a difficult situation with little chance to make things better
2
7.4
A situation of very great trouble and urgent need with no easy way out
2
7.6
In a situation with very few choices where you must try hard to survive or win
1
6.1
In a very dangerous situation where a small problem can cause everything to fail
1
8.5
Very tired and cannot deal with a situation any more
1
9.9
A very bad situation with no way to fix it
1
9.9
To be in a difficult situation with no way out
In a very risky situation where failure can happen at any moment
To be in a very risky situation and about to fail
In a situation where you are unlikely to win
Antonyms
How Close
Surface Forms
Morphology
on + the + ropes
The meaning derives metaphorically from the boxing image of a fighter pinned "on the ropes," so there is a clear link to the constituents 'on' and 'ropes' (being in a vulnerable position). However, understanding the idiomatic sense (close to defeat) requires cultural/figurative knowledge of boxing that a B1 learner who only knows the literal words may not have, making it partially but not fully predictable.
Etymology
The idiom on the ropes comes from boxing, where a fighter pushed against the ropes looks tired and likely to lose. So, it means 'very close to failure or defeat'.