on the ropes
idiomPart ofrope
on the ropes — idiom
1. in a very difficult situation and close to failing, losing, or being defeated
1.idiom
Definition
in a very difficult situation and close to failing, losing, or being defeated
Example
After three years of losses, the small company was on the ropes and needed a quick rescue plan.
The team went down by twenty points in the first half and was on the ropes for the rest of the game.