on the ropes

in den Seilen, kurz vor dem Scheitern

In großen Schwierigkeiten und kurz davor, zu scheitern oder besiegt zu werden.

In einfachem Englisch: In serious trouble and close to failing or being defeated.

• Their business is on the ropes.
• The scandal left the government on the ropes.
• Our team looked on the ropes, but we fought back.

So benutzt man es: have someone/something on the ropes (Rising costs have the company on the ropes.)

Synonyme: in trouble, near collapse

Häufige Wendungen: be on the ropes, business on the ropes

in den Seilen

An die Seile des Boxrings gelehnt, meist erschöpft und kurz vor einer Niederlage.

In einfachem Englisch: Leaning against the ropes around a boxing ring, usually because you are tired and close to losing.

• The boxer was on the ropes.
• A hard punch left him on the ropes.
• She recovered after spending most of the round on the ropes.

So benutzt man es: have someone on the ropes (The champion had his opponent on the ropes by the second round.)

Häufige Wendungen: be on the ropes, boxer on the ropes

von einer rivalisierenden Gang bedroht

Von einem Mitglied einer rivalisierenden Gang bedroht oder unter Druck gesetzt.

In einfachem Englisch: Under threat or pressure from a member of a rival gang.

• The rival gang had him on the ropes.
• He was on the ropes after threats from a rival gang member.
• They kept him on the ropes until he left their territory.

Synonyme: under threat, under pressure

Häufige Wendungen: be on the ropes, on the ropes again