Question

On the Ropes almost failing; on the verge of collapse; nearly ruined

Accepted Answer

Last summer, my ice cream store did a lot of business, but now, in the middle of winter, it's on the ropes. This phrase was first used in the 1800s and referred to boxers who were almost knocked out. They hung onto the ropes around the boxing ring so they wouldn't totally collapse. Later the saying was expanded to include any person, business, or situation that was in great difficulty or nearly ruined.

Idiom	On the Ropes
Example	Last summer, my ice cream store did a lot of business, but now, in the middle of winter, it's on the ropes.
Meaning	almost failing; on the verge of collapse; nearly ruined
Origin	This phrase was first used in the 1800s and referred to boxers who were almost knocked out. They hung onto the ropes around the boxing ring so they wouldn't totally collapse. Later the saying was expanded to include any person, business, or situation that was in great difficulty or nearly ruined.

Ropes Business Summer Ice Cream Store Lot Middle