Region: General | Usage example: After the regulation change the company was on the ropes.

On the ropes

Meaning

About to lose or close to defeat after sustaining pressure.

Used broadly when someone is barely holding on.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Boxing reference to a fighter pinned against the ropes.

Boxing wire coverage brought the phrase into American journalism by the late 1800s.