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Pchuang Posted 20 years ago
Vocabulary
two expressions
The Howard Government should be on the ropes and heading for the canvas right now. It has failed dismally in two of the three critical areas of government, and is quickly sliding on the third.
please shed some light on those expressions.
does "on the ropes" mean "to be killed, eliminated"? and "heading for the canvas" mean "to be wrapped up and buried"?
please shed some light on those expressions.
does "on the ropes" mean "to be killed, eliminated"? and "heading for the canvas" mean "to be wrapped up and buried"?
Top answer
It's a boxing metaphor. 'On the ropes' - when a boxer is trapped up against the ropes by his opponent - he's losing 'heading for the canvas' - been knocked out or punched so hard he falls down to the canvas floor of the boxing ring - he's lost
- It's a boxing metaphor.
- 'On the ropes' - when a boxer is trapped up against the ropes by his opponent - he's losing 'heading for the canvas' - been knocked out or punched so hard he falls down to the canvas floor of the boxing ring - he's lost
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2 Answers
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It's a boxing metaphor.
'On the ropes' - when a boxer is trapped up against the ropes by his opponent - he's losing
'heading for the canvas' - been knocked out or punched so hard he falls down to the canvas floor of the boxing ring - he's lost
'On the ropes' - when a boxer is trapped up against the ropes by his opponent - he's losing
'heading for the canvas' - been knocked out or punched so hard he falls down to the canvas floor of the boxing ring - he's lost
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