on the ropes

English

Pronunciation

Audio (AU) (file)

Adjective

on the ropes (not comparable)

(boxing, professional wrestling) Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.
The champ had his opponent on the ropes at the end of the third round and knocked him out in the fourth.
(idiomatic, figuratively, by extension) Showing signs of imminent failure or collapse.
After a good start in the stock market, this company seems to be on the ropes.

Translations

leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse

Irish: ar na rópaí

Spanish: contra las cuerdas

showing signs of imminent failure or collapse

Irish: in ísle brí, ar an dé deiridh, ag streachailt
Portuguese: na corda bamba

Spanish: contra las cuerdas

See also

out on one's feet

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