on the ropes

contra las cuerdas

En una situación muy difícil, a punto de fracasar o sufrir una derrota.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Cómo se usa: have someone/something on the ropes (Rising costs have the company on the ropes.)

Sinónimos: in trouble, near collapse

Expresiones frecuentes: be on the ropes, business on the ropes

contra las cuerdas

Apoyado contra las cuerdas del ring, generalmente por cansancio y a punto de perder.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Cómo se usa: have someone on the ropes (The champion had his opponent on the ropes by the second round.)

Expresiones frecuentes: be on the ropes, boxer on the ropes

bajo amenaza de una banda rival

Amenazado o presionado por un miembro de una banda rival.

En inglés sencillo: 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.

Sinónimos: under threat, under pressure

Expresiones frecuentes: be on the ropes, on the ropes again