on the ropes
1
very likely to be defeated or completely fail
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.
- If we don't find a solution soon, our company will be on the ropes and may have to close down.
- She is on the ropes with stress and anxiety from her heavy workload.
- The boxer was on the ropes after being knocked down twice in the first round.
- The team is on the ropes after losing their star player to injury.
- They have been on the ropes financially since the pandemic began and are struggling to stay afloat.