rope-a-dope

British  

noun

1. 1. a method of tiring out a boxing opponent by pretending to be trapped on the ropes while the opponent expends energy on punches that are blocked

   2. ( as modifier )

      rope-a-dope strategy

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Etymology

Origin of rope-a-dope

C20: coined by _{Muhammad Ali}

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rope-a-dope

Chelsea might have dominated the first half but Brentford’s rope-a-dope tactics ultimately worked beautifully.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 28, 2023

They have used rope-a-dope tactics, sitting back and hoping Stokes' side would make mistakes.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2023

“Got no time for the rope-a-dope, Wallace is gonna ride like the Pope. I’m rollin’ The Jokemobile on stage from now on and whatnot.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2022

But an official with the Intelligence Committee said panel members did not want to allow the Trump administration to “play rope-a-dope with us” in the courts and slow down their inquiry.

From New York Times ● Nov. 7, 2019

But back to Costa Rica, whose rope-a-dope strategy is always interesting and rarely exciting.

From Slate ● Jun. 22, 2018