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be on the ropes
be on the ropes
To be in a vulnerable position and nearing failure or collapse. The phrase comes from boxing, in which a boxer may use the ropes around the ring for support. That team is definitely on the ropes—they're losing 10-1! Now that everyone knows he embezzled money from the company, his career is on the ropes.
be on the ropes
(mainly American) to be doing badly and likely to fail His political career is on the ropes.