n. & v.
--n.
1. a stout cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, sisal, flax, cotton, nylon, wire, or similar material. b a piece of this. c US a lasso.
2 (foll. by of) a quantity of onions, ova, or pearls strung together.
3 (in pl., prec. by the) a the conditions in some sphere of action (know the ropes; show a person the ropes). b the ropes enclosing a boxing- or wrestling-ring or cricket ground.
4 (prec. by the) a a halter for hanging a person. b execution by hanging.
--v.
1. tr. fasten, secure, or catch with rope.
2 tr. (usu. foll. by off, in) enclose (a space) with rope.
3 Mountaineering a tr. connect (a party) with a rope; attach (a person) to a rope. b (absol.) put on a rope. c intr. (foll. by down, up) climb down or up using a rope.
Phrases and idioms:
give a person plenty of rope (or enough rope to hang himself or herself) give a person enough freedom of action to bring about his or her own downfall. on the rope Mountaineering roped together. on the ropes
1. Boxing forced against the ropes by the opponent's attack.
2 near defeat. rope in persuade to take part. rope into persuade to take part in (was roped into doing the washing-up). rope-ladder two long ropes connected by short crosspieces, used as a ladder. rope-moulding a moulding cut spirally in imitation of rope-strands. rope of sand delusive security. rope's end hist. a short piece of rope used to flog (formerly, esp. a sailor) with. rope-walk a long piece of ground where ropes are made. rope-walker a performer on a tightrope. rope-walking the action of performing on a tightrope. rope-yard a rope-making establishment.
rope-yarn
1. material obtained by unpicking rope-strands, or used for making them.
2 a piece of this.
3 a mere trifle.
Etymology: OE rap f. Gmc