PhrasesHub

on the ropes

    Definitions

      • in a weakened or vulnerable state
        Describing someone or something that is struggling or in a difficult situation, often in a competitive or confrontational context

      • close to defeat or failure
        Describing someone or something that is very close to giving up or losing, often in a competition or challenge

    Examples of on the ropes

    • The boxer was on the ropes in the final round of the championship match.

      This example illustrates the idiom "on the ropes" in a literal sense, as it is commonly used to describe a boxer who is being pummeled by his opponent and appears defenseless. In this example, the boxer is in a vulnerable position and is at risk of being knocked out.

    • The company's sales projections were on the ropes due to fierce competition from its rivals.

      In this example, "on the ropes" is used figuratively to describe a situation where a company's financial performance is in jeopardy. The company is facing intense competition from its competitors, which is causing a decline in its sales projections, and it is struggling to recover.

    • The politician's campaign was on the ropes after a series of scandals emerged.

      This example uses "on the ropes" metaphorically to describe a political campaign that is in serious trouble due to a string of scandals that have damaged the politician's reputation. The campaign is in a precarious position and may not be able to recover from the negative publicity.

    • The pitcher was on the ropes after giving up several runs in the first two innings of the game.

      In this example, "on the ropes" is employed figuratively to describe a situation where a pitcher is struggling to maintain control of the game. After allowing several runs early on, the pitcher's confidence is shaken, and he is finding it difficult to regain his composure.

    • The boxer stumbled around the ring, his arms flailing, clearly on the ropes.

      In boxing, being "on the ropes" means being battered and weakened, with your back pressed against the ropes that line the ring. It's a metaphor for being in a difficult or precarious situation, as the boxer is vulnerable and unable to defend himself effectively.

    • The struggling startup faced tough competition and rapidly dwindling resources, leaving them on the ropes.

      Just as the boxer is in a dangerous and precarious position, so too is the struggling startup. They are facing difficult challenges and struggling to stay afloat, leaving them in a vulnerable and uncertain position.

    • The politician's reputation was in tatters after a string of scandals, leaving them on the ropes.

      When a person's reputation is "on the ropes", it means that they have lost the support and respect of others, often as a result of misconduct or scandal. The politician in this example has been badly damaged by a series of scandals, leaving them in a perilous position both politically and personally.

    • The small business owner faced mounting debts and declining profits, leaving them on the ropes.

      Literal boxers use the ropes to steady themselves and regain their footing, but in this figurative sense, being "on the ropes" means being overwhelmed by adversity and struggling to stay afloat. The small business owner in this example is facing significant challenges, leaving them in a difficult and precarious position.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "on the ropes" is commonly used to describe someone or something that is in a weakened or vulnerable state, often in a competitive or confrontational context. It can also indicate that someone or something is close to defeat or failure, and may be about to give up or lose. This idiom is often used in sports, business, or other competitive situations to convey the idea of struggle or being close to failure.

    Origin of "on the ropes"

    The origin of the idiom "on the ropes" can be traced back to the sport of boxing. In boxing, when a fighter is pushed against the ropes, they are in a vulnerable position and at risk of being knocked down or defeated. The idiom likely originated from this literal meaning, and has since been used metaphorically to describe any situation in which someone or something is in a weakened or vulnerable state, or close to defeat or failure. The idiom has become widely used in everyday language to convey the idea of struggle and vulnerability. For example, "After losing several key clients, the company is on the ropes and struggling to stay afloat."