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

Right-hand side, packed penalty area, Celtic on the ropes, Rangers finding impetus if not accuracy.

From BBC

They lacked shape, going left and right without making any progress - like a boxer on the ropes punching for their life but not actually hitting anything.

From BBC