on the ropes
US /ɑn ðə roʊps/
UK /ɑn ðə roʊps/
1.
岌岌可危, 处境艰难, 濒临失败
in a very bad situation or close to defeat
:
•
After several bad quarters, the company was on the ropes.
在经历了几个糟糕的季度后，这家公司岌岌可危。
•
The boxer was on the ropes in the final round, barely able to stand.
在最后一回合，拳击手摇摇欲坠，几乎站不稳了。