Etymology Journal · O
On the ropes
Meaning
- Someone on the ropes is in a desperate situation and close to failure or defeat. It usually describes someone who has exhausted all their resources or energy.
Serious, dramatic
Used in a sentence
- After the loss of their lead investor, the company is on the ropes.
- He looked like he was on the ropes during the debate.
- The team is on the ropes and needs a miracle to win.
The backstory
This is a direct boxing metaphor. When a fighter is backed against the ropes of the ring, they are in a defensive, losing position and likely about to be knocked out.
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