rope

[ rohp ]

noun

1. a strong, thick line or cord, commonly one composed of twisted or braided strands of hemp, flax, or the like, or of wire or other material.
2. a lasso.
3. ropes,
   1. the cords used to enclose a prize ring or other space.
   2. Informal. the operations of a business or the details of any undertaking:

      The new employee didn't take long to learn the ropes.

4. a hangman's noose, halter, or cord.
5. the sentence or punishment of death by hanging.
6. a quantity of material or a number of things twisted or strung together in the form of a cord:

   a rope of tobacco.

7. a stringy, viscid, or glutinous formation in a liquid:

   ropes of slime.

verb (used with object)

, roped, rop·ing.

1. to tie, bind, or fasten with a rope.
2. to enclose, partition, or mark off with a rope or ropes (often followed by off ).
3. to catch with a lasso; lasso.
4. Nautical. to reinforce (a sail or awning) with a boltrope.

verb (used without object)

, roped, rop·ing.

1. to be drawn out into a filament of thread; become ropy.

verb phrase

1. Informal. to lure or entice, especially by employing deception:

   The swindler had roped in a number of gullible persons.

rope

/ rəʊp /

noun

1. 1. a fairly thick cord made of twisted and intertwined hemp or other fibres or of wire or other strong material
   2. ( as modifier )

      a rope bridge

      a rope ladder

2. a row of objects fastened or united to form a line

   a rope of pearls

   a rope of onions

3. a quantity of material twisted or wound in the form of a cord
4. anything in the form of a filament or strand, esp something viscous or glutinous

   a rope of slime

5. the rope
   1. a rope, noose, or halter used for hanging
   2. death by hanging, strangling, etc
6. give someone enough rope to hang himself
   to allow someone to accomplish his own downfall by his own foolish acts
7. know the ropes
   1. to have a thorough understanding of a particular sphere of activity
   2. to be experienced in the ways of the world
8. on the ropes
   1. boxing driven against the ropes enclosing the ring by an opponent's attack
   2. in a defenceless or hopeless position

verb

1. tr to bind or fasten with or as if with a rope
2. trusually foll byoff to enclose or divide by means of a rope
3. intr to become extended in a long filament or thread
4. whenintr, foll by up mountaineering to tie (climbers) together with a rope

Other Words From

• roper noun
• ropelike adjective
• un·roped adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rope¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English noun rop(e), rap(e), Old English rāp; cognate with Dutch reep, German Reif; verb derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rope¹

Old English rāp ; related to Old Saxon rēp , Old High German reif

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. at the end of one's rope, at the end of one's endurance or means; at the limit:

   With all her savings gone and bills piling up, she was at the end of her rope.

2. give someone enough rope, to allow a person complete freedom to continue their misdeeds in hope that retribution will follow.
3. on the ropes,
   1. Boxing. in a defenseless position, as leaning against the ropes to keep from falling.
   2. Informal. in a desperate or hopeless position; close to defeat or failure:

      By repeatedly undercutting his prices, his competitors soon had him on the ropes.

More idioms and phrases containing rope

In addition to the idiom beginning with rope , also see end of one's rope ; enough rope ; (show someone) know the ropes ; on the ropes .

Example Sentences

The action was finally halted in the sixth when Edwards was backed up on the ropes and unable to answer back with a flurry of punches landing on his head.

From BBC

Joe Biden worked the rope line on the South Lawn of the White House, cracking wise and joking with his eager supporters while brash young press aides wrangled the press eager to cover the moment.

From Salon

Basin began with a modest rope tow in 1939, according to the resort website.

From Los Angeles Times

The year 1961 turned out to be significant for Bradford after she was roped into a blind date.

From BBC

The guides have to work hard to move the ropes into position.

From BBC

Related Words

• cable
• strand
• string
• tape
• thread
• twine