on the ropes
Meaning of the phrase:
-in a difficult situation or close to defeat
· I thought I was winning the argument, but then my mom brought out the "I brought you into this world, I can take you out" card and I was on the ropes.
Origin of the phrase:
Are you feeling a bit cornered and stuck in a tough situation? Well, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re in good company with many boxers who have found themselves on the ropes over the years.
The phrase comes from the world of boxing. It’s a figurative expression that describes a fighter who’s been pushed back into the ropes of the ring. You know, that position where you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, and the only way out is through a barrage of punches? Not exactly the place you want to be.
But let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Clinging to the ropes for dear life, like a boxer who’s exhausted and out of options, isn’t exactly a power move. However, it’s a relatable position that many people find themselves in when facing a tough situation. That’s why “on the ropes” has become a common phrase for being in a difficult spot or close to losing.
It turns out that the phrase has been throwing verbal punches for quite some time, dating back to the early 1800s when boxing was all the rage. An early example of its use can be found in The Monitor, printed November 3rd, 1826, which reports:
A fall on the ropes by which is neck was injured, rendered Glew incapable of coming up to time.
Yikes! Maybe Glew should just stick to shadowboxing next time. Clearly, being “on the ropes” is a position no fighter wants to be in. But at least the phrase has given us a colorful way to describe those moments when we feel cornered and vulnerable.
The phrase “on the ropes” wasn’t content with staying in the boxing ring, though. It broke free in the 1920s, moving into mainstream English as an idiom. The earliest example comes from the Evening Public Ledger, published on January 8th, 1920, where a newly married man asked the magistrate for a wedding present:
‘One more question,’ the bridegroom said after the ceremony, ‘Will you give me a wedding present?’ ‘Spring it,’ the magistrate replied; ‘you got me on the ropes now. What is it?’
Ah, the joys of marital bliss and idiomatic expressions!
So, “on the ropes” continues to pack a punch in the English language, with its roots firmly planted in the world of boxing. Whether you’re facing a tough opponent in the ring or a challenging situation in life, just remember to keep your guard up and your feet moving. And if all else fails, you can always try to duck and weave your way out of trouble, just like a skilled boxer on the ropes. So come on, champ, you got this!