on the ropes
on the ropes {adv.} or {adj. phr.}
1. Against the ropes of a boxing ring and almost not able to stand up.
The fighter was on the ropes and could hardly lift his gloves.
2. Almost defeated; helpless; near failure.
The new supermarket took most of the business from Mr. Thomas's grocery, and the little store was soon on the ropes.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
