Meaning of on the ropes | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.
2. Showing signs of imminent failure or collapse.
   broadly, figuratively
3. Being threatened or pressured by a rival gang member.
   Multicultural-London-English, broadly

Equivalents

Examples

“The champ had his opponent on the ropes at the end of the third round and knocked him out in the fourth.”

“After a good start in the stock market, this company seems to be on the ropes.”

“So Ukraine is on the ropes. Using that boxing metaphor, one immediately thinks of the new world heavyweight champion, the Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, who was seemingly down and out under the ferocious assault of the giant Tyson Fury, but then came back to win on points at the end of a brutal 12 rounds.”

CEFR level