on the ropes
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English[edit]
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Adjective[edit]
on the ropes (not comparable)
- (boxing, professional wrestling) Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.
- The champ had his opponent on the ropes at the end of the third round and knocked him out in the fourth.
- (idiomatic, figuratively, by extension) Showing signs of imminent failure or collapse.
- After a good start in the stock market, this company seems to be on the ropes.
- (by extension, strictly MLE) being threatened or pressured by a rival gang member.
Translations[edit]
leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse
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showing signs of imminent failure or collapse
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