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

Software giant Adobe is proffering an AI agent for corporate customers that it’s hoping can help revive a business that’s been on the ropes lately.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

A bizarre opening round saw the heavyweights become tangled on the ropes, continuing to throw punches while ignoring the referee's calls to break.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

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

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

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 • Jan. 17, 2026

Neewo slept in his winter bed, a blanket fixed on the ropes so that he could gently rock to sleep.

From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich