rope

 
Pronunciation: /rəʊp/

noun

  • 1a length of thick strong cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, sisal, nylon, or similar material: there was no way down, even with a rope [mass noun]: coils of rope
  • North American a lasso.
  • (the rope) used in reference to execution by hanging: executions by the rope continued well into the twentieth century
  • (the ropes) the ropes enclosing a boxing or wrestling ring.
  • 2a quantity of roughly spherical objects such as onions or beads strung together: a rope of pearls
  • 3 (the ropes) informal the established procedures in an organization or area of activity: I want you to show her the ropes
    [ mid 19th century: with reference to ropes used in sailing]

verb

[with object]
  • 1catch, fasten, or secure with rope: the calves must be roped and led out of the stockade the climbers were all roped together
  • (rope something off) enclose or separate an area with a rope or tape: police roped off the area
  • [no object] Climbing (of a party of climbers) connect each other together with a rope: we stopped at the foot of the ridge and roped up
  • [no object] (rope down/up) Climbing climb down or up using a rope: the party had been roping down a hanging glacier
  • 2 (rope someone in/into) persuade someone, despite reluctance, to take part in (an activity): anyone who could sing in tune was roped in

Phrases

give a man enough rope (or plenty of rope) and he will hang himself

proverb given enough freedom of action a person will bring about their own downfall.

money for old rope

see money.

on the rope

Climbing roped together: the technique of moving together on the rope

on the ropes

Boxing forced against the ropes by the opponent’s attack.
in state of near collapse or defeat: behind the apparent success the company was on the ropes

a rope of sand

literary used in allusion to something providing only illusory security or coherence: our union will become a mere rope of sand

Origin:

Old English rāp, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch reep and German Reif