What is the origin of the idiom "on the ropes" and when to use it?

The idiom "on the ropes" has its origins in boxing, where a boxer who is exhausted and has taken many punches may be leaning against the ropes surrounding the ring for support. The phrase now means to be in a difficult or perilous situation, often on the verge of defeat. The phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is struggling or facing a difficult challenge.