on the ropes

phrase

: in a defensive and often helpless position

Examples of on the ropes in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The way his team refused to let go of the rope — even with their head coach on the ropes, Riley deserved a victory lap. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

But there’s still basketball to be played, and the Dream are on the ropes — down 3-2, facing elimination. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 28 Oct. 2026

By the time Robyn joins the conversation, her bestie is on the ropes, feebly trying to insist that the entire matter is a misunderstanding. — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026

Then California attorney general Rob Bonta and his posse of 12 states filed a lawsuit in July that seemingly had Paramount on the ropes. — Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for on the ropes

• oscilloscopes
• antelopes
• biotopes
• cantaloupes
• envelopes
• epitopes
• gyroscopes
• horoscopes
• isotopes
• microscopes
• telescopes
• copes