on the ropes

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the ropes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that means a person or thing is in a difficult or challenging position or state, and it is often used in the context of sports and competition. For example, "After several layoffs and a drop in profits, the company is really on the ropes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they had us on the ropes.

The New York Times

Health-care reform is on the ropes.

The New Yorker

Again, Tyson was on the ropes.

The Guardian - Sport

I think it's on the ropes.

The New York Times

We had them on the ropes.

The New York Times - Sports

Quins on the ropes now.

The Guardian - Sport

They were on the ropes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It shows he's on the ropes, desperate".

The New Yorker

I had the coalition on the ropes.

The Guardian - Opinion

His business is on the ropes.

The New York Times

"We got ISIL on the ropes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on the ropes", ensure the context clearly indicates a state of near defeat or collapse. This idiom is most effective when describing situations where failure seems imminent but hasn't yet occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "on the ropes" for situations that are merely challenging or difficult. This idiom specifically implies a severe crisis where failure is a very real possibility, not just a setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the ropes" functions as an idiomatic adjective phrase, describing a noun (person, entity, or situation) that is in a state of near collapse or defeat. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Reference

10%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "on the ropes" is a common and correct phrase used to describe a person, entity, or situation nearing failure or collapse, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjective phrase, mainly found in News & Media sources. While the phrase is neutrally registered, leaning toward informal, it can be suitable in professional and academic writing. Some of the related alternatives are "in a precarious situation" and "facing collapse". Use the idiom carefully in the right context to convey the severity of the situation and avoid interpreting the degree of difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to failing

Directly indicates the high likelihood of imminent failure.

in a precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

in dire straits

Highlights the severity and urgency of the difficult situation.

facing collapse

Emphasizes the imminent risk of failure or breakdown.

up against it

Conveys a sense of struggling against significant challenges.

in a tight corner

Suggests being trapped or confined in a problematic situation.

under pressure

Focuses on the stress and strain caused by difficult circumstances.

in a vulnerable position

Focuses on the lack of protection and susceptibility to harm.

struggling to survive

Emphasizes the fight for existence and the difficulty of maintaining stability.

at a disadvantage

Highlights the unfavorable circumstances and lack of advantage.

FAQs

How can I use "on the ropes" in a sentence?

You can use "on the ropes" to describe a person, company, or situation that is close to failure or defeat. For example, "After the scandal, the politician's career was "on the ropes"".

What does it mean when someone is described as "on the ropes"?

When someone is "on the ropes", it means they are in a very difficult situation and likely to fail or be defeated. It is often used in the context of sports, business, or politics.

What are some alternatives to saying "on the ropes"?

Alternatives to "on the ropes" include phrases like "in a precarious situation", "facing collapse", or "in dire straits", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on the ropes" a formal or informal expression?

"On the ropes" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for news articles, blog posts, and casual conversation. While understandable in formal contexts, more precise language might be preferred for academic or highly professional writing.