What is the meaning of the idiom on the rope?
On the verge of defeat or collapse, helpless, as in They acknowledged that their campaign was on the ropes, and they could not possibly win the election. This expression, alluding to a boxer forced back to the ropes of the ring and leaning against them for support, has been used figuratively since the mid-1900s.
What does the idiom end of my rope mean?
Definition of the end of one’s rope informal. : a state in which one is not able to deal with a problem, difficult situation, etc., any longer It was clear from her outburst that she was at the end of her rope.
Have you on the rope meaning?
If you say that someone is on the ropes, you mean that they are very near to giving up or being defeated.
What does back rope mean?
1 : a rope or chain extending aft on each side of a sailing ship from the lower end of the dolphin striker to the bows. 2 : cat back.
Is When Pigs Fly an idiom?
“When pigs fly” is an adynaton, a way of saying that something will never happen. The phrase is often used for humorous effect, to scoff at over-ambition.
What is the meaning of the idiom bite the bullet?
To “bite the bullet” is to “accept the inevitable impending hardship and endure the resulting pain with fortitude”. The phrase was first recorded by Rudyard Kipling in his 1891 novel The Light that Failed.
Where did the phrase end of my rope come from?
The term at the end of one’s rope is primarily an American phrase, though it may be traced back to the 1680s. The idea is of someone who has been thrown a safety rope, and has run out of length. At the end of one’s tether also means to be at the end of one’s strength, endurance or patience.
What does it mean to give someone Enough Rope?
Definition of ‘give someone (enough) rope’. give someone (enough) rope in American. to allow someone freedom of action in the expectation that that person will overreach himself or herself.
What is the meaning of give enough rope and he’ll hang himself?
If you give people the opportunity to do something wrong or detrimental to themselves, they will usually do it; one does not need to interfere to bring about someone’s downfall. The full version is, “Give (one) enough rope, and (one) will hang (one)self.” Don’t interrupt him with questions. Just let him keep talking and he’ll incriminate himself.
When did John Ray write enough rope and he’ll hang himself?
It was well enough known by the mid-seventeenth century to appear in four slightly different forms in John Ray’s English Proverbs (1678), the most common being “Give him rope enough and he’ll hang himself.” See also: enough, give, to The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer