on the ropes

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

Having narrowly beaten the drop last campaign, Hoffenheim had battling Bremen on the ropes from the opening minute.

From Barron's

His emotions began showing and he was on the ropes as he fell 4-1 down in the second set in the Margaret Court Arena sunshine.

From Barron's

The USC men’s basketball team had its opponent on the ropes midway through the first half, but was unable to deliver the knockout blow Saturday afternoon at Galen Center.

From Los Angeles Times

He was then invited to the gym of local legend Brendan Ingle in the working class area of Wincobank and later wrote two books - On the Ropes and The Shadows of Boxing - highlighting the trainer's mentorship of Prince Naseem.

From BBC

Separately, the US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said the Iranian economy was "on the ropes".

From BBC