Last Updated：2025/11/22

(boxing, professional wrestling) Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.

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on the ropes

Source Word

on the ropes

Adjective

not-comparable broadly figuratively idiomatic

(boxing, professional wrestling) Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.

Japanese Meaning

ボクシングでロープに寄りかかる姿から派生し、絶望的な状態、敗北寸前、または全力を使い果たした様子を表す表現です。 / 非常に疲れ果て、もう立ち向かう力が残っていない状態を意味します。

By the tenth round he was on the ropes, barely able to raise his guard as exhaustion set in.

第10ラウンドには彼はロープにもたれかかって、疲労でガードをほとんど上げられなくなっていた。

Sense（1）

(boxing, professional wrestling) Leaning against the ropes of the boxing ring, as when exhausted and nearing defeat or collapse.

Sense（2）

(idiomatic, figuratively, by extension) Showing signs of imminent failure or collapse.

After a good start in the stock market, this company seems to be on the ropes.