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 • Mar. 8, 2026

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 • Jan. 23, 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

England had New Zealand on the ropes early on, but rugby's heavyweights rope-a-doped their way to a 12-0 lead with a clinical one-two punch, crossing twice in the space of four minutes.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

Sodden fragments littered the school yard, with only a few torn and illegible remnants dangling on the ropes.

From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang