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be on the ropes

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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.

See also: on, rope

be on the ropes

  (mainly American)

to be doing badly and likely to fail His political career is on the ropes.

See also: on, rope