on the ropes

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.

Example Sentences

They appeared back on the ropes when, in the half-inning after their six-run outburst, Kirby Yates gave back three runs to let the Giants make the score 9-7.

From Los Angeles Times

Curran reached his fifty from 22 balls, but fell before the close, caught on the ropes off Rehan Ahmed.

From BBC

Whyte was clearly feeling the power and back on the ropes as Itauma picked his shots carefully.

From BBC

“We had them on the ropes numerous times,” Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times

They twice had leads pegged back, were often sloppy in defence, and were on the ropes towards the end.

From BBC