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

In the group-stage fixture between these teams, South Africa were skittled for just 69 as England's spinners ripped through them, and it immediately looked like their World Cup campaign was on the ropes.

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Smaller community banks have also been on the ropes.

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However, Wardley would get his win in the next round as again he hurt Parker with a huge right hand to leave him reeling on the ropes and the Englishman did not let him off the hook.

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But her dream debut was quickly tarnished as Brazil went 2-0 up within 18 minutes, putting England on the ropes - though Keating was not at fault.

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Milei, once a global poster boy for budget-slashing libertarian politics, is on the ropes as Argentines head to the polls.

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