the ropes
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Just five years ago, North Korea, and seemingly Kim himself, appeared to be on the ropes.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
After Rozicki stumbled back to the corner, his team threw in the towel and Billam-Smith climbed on the ropes to celebrate.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
Let's be honest, the multiple scandals about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor have really put the royals on the ropes.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
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
The builder grabbed the ropes that attached to the empty stone-boat and prepared to hitch it to his great gray horse.
From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
