the ropes
plural noun
1
: the special way things are done at a particular place or in a particular activity
The veteran cop showed the rookie the ropes.
It will take a few weeks for new employees to learn the ropes.
someone who knows the ropes
2
: a fence made of rope that encloses a boxing or wrestling ring
The boxer was pushed back against the ropes.
Examples of the ropes in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After dismantling the lowly Tennessee Titans in Week 3, the Colts will have a tougher matchup in Week 4 on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, who had the defending champs on the ropes last week before Philly staged a late comeback.
—
James Boyd, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Michael Kim is one of the most recognizable faces on the PGA Tour, not just for his performance inside the ropes.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
In 1960 a mysterious increase in bow breakage occurred, and put the company on the ropes again.
—Clare Conley, Outdoor Life, 18 Sep. 2025
The West, as understood as a unified political, economic, and security community, has been on the ropes for some time.
—Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the ropes
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
James Boyd, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
Michael Kim is one of the most recognizable faces on the PGA Tour, not just for his performance inside the ropes.
—Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
In 1960 a mysterious increase in bow breakage occurred, and put the company on the ropes again.
—Clare Conley, Outdoor Life, 18 Sep. 2025
The West, as understood as a unified political, economic, and security community, has been on the ropes for some time.
—Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the ropes
Cite this Entry
“The ropes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20ropes. Accessed 25 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share