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on the ropes
01
very likely to be defeated or completely fail
Idiom
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.
Examples
After losing three major clients, the company is on the ropes.
