on the ropes

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The attorney general was always on the ropes but thought she was finally on safer footing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Right-hand side, packed penalty area, Celtic on the ropes, Rangers finding impetus if not accuracy.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026

With Ireland already on the ropes, Ollivon surged past Caelan Doris and slid across the whitewash to give the hosts a commanding halfway lead.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

The USC men’s basketball team had its opponent on the ropes midway through the first half, but was unable to deliver the knockout blow Saturday afternoon at Galen Center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 17, 2026

We quickly assembled the contraption and tested it once, jerking back on the ropes at the count of three.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls