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
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.
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.
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.
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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