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. 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.

Words Nearby on the ropes

on-the-record
on the right foot, get off
on the right tack
On the Road
on the rocks
on the ropes
on the run
on the safe side
on the same wavelength
on-the-scene
on the shelf

Browse