Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
on-the-ropes
idiom
/ˈɒn ðə roʊpz/
Definition
In a difficult or precarious situation, often used to describe someone or something that is close to failure or defeat.
Examples
- After losing three games in a row, the team felt like they were on-the-ropes.
- Her business was on-the-ropes, and she was considering closing it down.
- The politician was on-the-ropes after the scandal broke.
Meaning
When someone is ‘on-the-ropes’, they are struggling and may not be able to continue successfully.
Synonyms
- in trouble
- on the edge
- struggling
- at a breaking point
