on the ropes
21
7.7
- idiom
- Informal
- 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
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Watch on YouTubeAnd 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
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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.
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We got them on the ropes!
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I had him on the ropes.
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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.
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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
19
7.3
In a very risky situation where failure can happen at any moment
9
4.2
In a difficult situation that is hard to get out of
4
9.6
In a difficult situation with little chance to make things better
3
7.6
In a situation with very few choices where you must try hard to survive or win
2
7.4
A situation of very great trouble and urgent need with no easy way out
1
9.9
A very bad situation with no way to fix it
1
6.1
In a very dangerous situation where a small problem can cause everything to fail
1
9.9
To be in a difficult situation with no way out
1
9.1
To be in a very risky situation and about to fail
In a situation where you are unlikely to win
You are unable to deal with something because you have no patience or energy
Very tired and cannot deal with a situation any more
Antonyms
How Close
220
4.9
- Informal
21
7.7
∞
2.9
97
3.9
- Specialized
16
4.7
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'.