On the ropes
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
In a tight spot or near defeat, reeling.
Origin
From 20th-century America, tied to boxing; 'ropes' meant cornered, slang by 1920s for down. A 1924 'New York Times' uses it for a bout's end.
Usage Examples
- He's on the ropes with that debt pile.
- She's on the ropes; project's a mess.
- On the ropes, he fought to stay.
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