rope-a-dope

British  

noun

1. 1. a method of tiring out a boxing opponent by pretending to be trapped on the ropes while the opponent expends energy on punches that are blocked

   2. ( as modifier )

      rope-a-dope strategy

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Etymology

Origin of rope-a-dope

C20: coined by _{Muhammad Ali}

Example Sentences

Chelsea might have dominated the first half but Brentford’s rope-a-dope tactics ultimately worked beautifully.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2023

They have used rope-a-dope tactics, sitting back and hoping Stokes' side would make mistakes.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2023

“Got no time for the rope-a-dope, Wallace is gonna ride like the Pope. I’m rollin’ The Jokemobile on stage from now on and whatnot.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2022

“I was doing a little bit of a rope-a-dope with him,” Schmidt, a boxing fan, said.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2020

But back to Costa Rica, whose rope-a-dope strategy is always interesting and rarely exciting.

From Slate • Jun. 22, 2018