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

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

England had New Zealand on the ropes early on, but rugby's heavyweights rope-a-doped their way to a 12-0 lead with a clinical one-two punch, crossing twice in the space of four minutes.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

With Newcastle on the ropes, Adama Boiro lashed a ferocious strike off the woodwork from 18 yards.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

Then tears come; and, like the rain on the ropes, they brace us up, until perhaps the strain become too great, and we break.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker