What does off the ropes mean?
What does off the ropes mean?
in a desperate position; in a state of near collapse or defeat. This is an idiom from boxing, alluding to the situation of a losing boxer who is forced back by his opponent against the ropes that mark the sides of the boxing ring.
What does the term on the ropes mean?
On the verge of defeat or collapse, helpless, as in They acknowledged that their campaign was on the ropes, and they could not possibly win the election. This expression, alluding to a boxer forced back to the ropes of the ring and leaning against them for support, has been used figuratively since the mid-1900s.
Where did the term on the ropes come from?
The idiom on the ropes comes from the world of boxing. A boxing ring is enclosed by large, heavy ropes. When a boxer has backed his opponent into the ropes, that opponent has no means of escape.
What is the meaning of he knows the ropes?
To be familiar with the details of an operation: “You won’t have to train the new computer operator; she already knows the ropes.”
What is the meaning of the idiom square off?
: to take a fighting stance : prepare to fight also : fight.
What does the word exacerbate?
Full Definition of exacerbate transitive verb. : to make more violent, bitter, or severe The new law only exacerbates the problem.
What does you got me on the ropes mean?
If you say that someone is on the ropes, you mean that they are very near to giving up or being defeated.
What is the meaning of on the rock?
See synonyms for on the rocks on Thesaurus.com. 1. Ruined, spoiled, as in Six months after the wedding, their marriage was on the rocks. This expression, alluding to a ship running aground on rocks and breaking apart, has been used figuratively for other disasters since the late 1800s. 2.
What does too old to cut the mustard mean?
To cut the mustard is “to reach or surpass the desired standard or performance” or more generally “to succeed, to have the ability to do something.” For instance, Beyoncé really cut the mustard in her new song.
What is the meaning of until the cows come home?
phrase [PHRASE after verb] If you say that someone can do something until the cows come home, but it will have no effect, you are emphasizing that it will have no effect even if they do it for a very long time. [informal, emphasis]
What is the meaning of nip in the bud?
Definition of nip (something) in the bud informal. : to stop (something) immediately so that it does not become a worse problem Inflation will only get worse if the government doesn’t do something right now to nip it in the bud.
What does the idiom cold feet mean?
To “have cold feet” is to be too fearful to undertake or complete an action. A wave of timidity or fearfulness. Loss or lack of courage or confidence.
What is the dictionary definition of ropes?
Define ropes. ropes synonyms, ropes pronunciation, ropes translation, English dictionary definition of ropes. n. 1. A flexible heavy cord of tightly intertwined hemp or other fiber. 2. A string of items attached in one line, especially by twisting or braiding: a…
What is the meaning of roping someone?
rope 1. To tie, fasten, or attach with a rope or other cord. 2. To enclose, separate, or partition with a rope or other cord: rope off the scene of the crime. 3. To catch with a rope or lasso. 4. Informal To persuade or manipulate (someone): My boss roped me into attending the ceremony.
What is the dictionary definition of roped off?
Define roped off. roped off synonyms, roped off pronunciation, roped off translation, English dictionary definition of roped off. n. 1. A flexible heavy cord of tightly intertwined hemp or other fiber. 2. A string of items attached in one line, especially by twisting or braiding: a…
What does it mean to be forced to the ropes?
This is an idiom from boxing, alluding to the situation of a losing boxer who is forced by his opponent against the ropes that mark the sides of the boxing ring. First recorded, in its literal sense, in the early 19th century, the phrase has been in figurative use since at least the 1920s.
