Sure, the phrase "on the ropes" is an idiom often used in English. This phrase originates from boxing, where a boxer who is tired or losing might be forced backwards by their opponent towards the ropes surrounding the ring. When you say someone is "on the ropes," it means they are in a difficult situation or problem that they're desperately trying to overcome. You usually use it when someone is struggling and close to failure. Let's look at a situation, say a tough examination, you could say,"John was on the ropes after failing his mathematics test. He has to pass the next one or he'll fail the course." He has a challenging time ahead, doesn't he? 😅.
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