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- DictionaryOn the ropes
- ▪ forced against the ropes by the opponent's attack
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idiom. Add to word list. in serious trouble or likely to fail: For a while, our business was on the ropes. (Definition of on the ropes from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Translations of on the ropes. in Chinese (Traditional) 處於困境, 即將失敗，即將完蛋… See more. in Chinese (Simplified) 处于困境, 即将失败，即将完蛋… See more.
- English (US)
ON THE ROPES meaning: 1. doing badly and likely to fail: 2....
- Znaczenie on The Ropes, Definicja W Cambridge English Dictionary
on the ropes definicja: 1. doing badly and likely to fail:...
- On The Rocks
ON THE ROCKS definition: 1. likely to fail soon: 2. If you...
- Translate to Traditional Chinese
on the ropes translate: 處於困境；即將失敗，即將完蛋. Learn more in the...
- Translate to Mandarin Chinese
ON THE ROPES translate: 处于困境；即将失败，即将完蛋. Learn more in the...
- On The Run
ON THE RUN definition: 1. while hurrying to go somewhere: 2....
- On The Road
ON THE ROAD definition: 1. If a vehicle is on the road, it...
- On The Scent
ON THE SCENT definition: 1. close to discovering: 2. close...
- English (US)
People also ask
What does the idiom on the ropes mean?
What does it mean if a person is on the ropes?
What does on the ropes mean in boxing?
Where did the term 'on the ropes' come from?
If you say that someone is on the ropes, you mean that they are very near to giving up or being defeated. The army claims the rebels are on the ropes. See full dictionary entry for rope
Meaning: If someone is “on the ropes,” it means they are in a desperate or difficult situation. In other words, they are having a tough time. Example: I’ve been sick all week. My main symptoms are coughing, a runny nose, and my appetite is low.
On the verge of defeat or collapse, helpless, as in They acknowledged that their campaign was on the ropes, and they could not possibly win the election . This expression, alluding to a boxer forced back to the ropes of the ring and leaning against them for support, has been used figuratively since the mid-1900s.
On the ropes is an idiom that means being in a tough situation, usually with no evident way out. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and difficulty, requiring resilience and creative solutions for overcoming challenges.
- Author
When we hear someone say that they are “on the ropes,” it usually means that they are in a difficult situation and struggling to stay afloat. This idiom is often used to describe individuals or groups who are facing challenges or obstacles that seem insurmountable.
Are you feeling a bit cornered and stuck in a tough situation? Well, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in good company with many boxers who have found themselves on the ropes over the years. The phrase comes from the world of boxing.
