Definition Of The Idiom On The Ropes

This expression alluding to a boxer forced back to the ropes of the ring and leaning against them for support has been used figuratively since the mid 1900s.

Definition of the idiom on the ropes.

On the verge of defeat or collapse helpless as in they acknowledged that their campaign was on the ropes and they could not possibly win the election. If you say that someone is on the ropes you mean that they are very near to giving up. Informal explain to somebody learn know how to do a particular job task etc. Doing badly and likely to fail.

Mrs brian will show you the ropes. It will take me a couple of weeks to learn the ropes but after that i should be fine. This is an idiom from boxing alluding to the situation of a losing boxer who is forced back by his opponent against the ropes that mark the sides of the boxing ring. On the ropes definition.

On the ropes definition. Meaning pronunciation translations and examples. When used to regarding boxing matches on the ropes refers to a fighter who has been forced back against the ropes by his opponent and is leaning on them for support making it difficult to defend himself. Doing badly and likely to fail.

In a state of near collapse or defeat. This expression refers to a sailor learning the different ropes for the sails of a ship.