on the ropes

alle corde

In gravi difficoltà e sul punto di fallire o essere sconfitto.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: have someone/something on the ropes (Rising costs have the company on the ropes.)

Sinonimi: in trouble, near collapse

Espressioni comuni: be on the ropes, business on the ropes

alle corde

Appoggiato alle corde del ring, di solito per la stanchezza e vicino alla sconfitta.

In inglese semplice: 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.

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

Espressioni comuni: be on the ropes, boxer on the ropes

sotto minaccia di una banda rivale

Minacciato o messo sotto pressione da un membro di una banda rivale.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Sinonimi: under threat, under pressure

Espressioni comuni: be on the ropes, on the ropes again