be on the rope

基本解释

The hawser can either be thick, heavy ropes or a thin steel cable use on ships.
缆绳既可以指粗重的绳子，也可以指船上使用的细钢索。
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The first victim of an ecological crisis could be the Mekong giant catfish, which has been on the ropes for years.
这场生态危机的首个受害者可能会是湄公河大鲶，它们已经命悬一线多年。

It is an incredible turnaround for an industry that looked to be on the ropes.
FORBES: The Great Private Equity Comeback Is Complete--At Least On Paper
President Barack Obama appeared to be on the ropes after the beating his party took in November and his under 50% approval rating.
FORBES: Christie May Be GOP's Best Hope
Thompson, whose campaign seemed to be on the ropes, had said he needed a strong showing in South Carolina to revitalize his prospects.
NPR: McCain Wins South Carolina's Kingmaking Contest