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on the ropes

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ɑn ðə ˈroʊps/ · UK /ɒn ðə ˈrəʊps/

on the ropes means: In serious trouble and close to failing or being defeated.

phrase

CLOSE TO FAILUREC1

In serious trouble and close to failing or being defeated.

  • Their business is on the ropes.
  • The scandal left the government on the ropes.
  • Our team looked on the ropes, but we fought back.

How to use it: have someone/something on the ropes (Rising costs have the company on the ropes.)

Similar words: in trouble, near collapse

Common phrases: be on the ropes, business on the ropes

BOXER IN TROUBLEC1

Leaning against the ropes around a boxing ring, usually because you are tired and close to losing.

  • The boxer was on the ropes.
  • A hard punch left him on the ropes.
  • She recovered after spending most of the round on the ropes.

How to use it: have someone on the ropes (The champion had his opponent on the ropes by the second round.)

Common phrases: be on the ropes, boxer on the ropes

GANG THREATSC2

Under threat or pressure from a member of a rival gang.

  • The rival gang had him on the ropes.
  • He was on the ropes after threats from a rival gang member.
  • They kept him on the ropes until he left their territory.

Similar words: under threat, under pressure

Common phrases: be on the ropes, on the ropes again

Questions about on the ropes

What does on the ropes mean?

In serious trouble and close to failing or being defeated.

What is on the ropes in other languages?

Türkçe: zor durumda · Español: contra las cuerdas · Français: dans les cordes · Deutsch: in den Seilen · Italiano: alle corde · 日本語: 追い詰められて

How do you pronounce on the ropes?

In American English /ɑn ðə ˈroʊps/; in British English /ɒn ðə ˈrəʊps/.

How do you use on the ropes in a sentence?

Their business is on the ropes. The scandal left the government on the ropes.

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on the ropes in other languages

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