rope-a-dope
noun · verb
Simple meaning
A technique in which the boxer assumes a defensive stance against the ropes and absorbs an opponent's blows.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
rohpuhdohpSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈɹoʊpəˈdoʊp
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
boxing
A technique in which the boxer assumes a defensive stance against the ropes and absorbs an opponent's blows, hoping to exploit eventual tiredness or a mistake.
figuratively
Any strategy where an apparently losing position is assumed in the hope of eventual victory.
verb
figuratively
To exhaust someone by stringing them along.
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: (boxing) A technique in which the boxer assumes a defensive stance against the ropes and absorbs an opponent's blows, hoping to exploit eventual tiredness or a mistake.
Used this way, rope-a-dope is a reasonably familiar word with a clearly unfavourable pull. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Negative
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Moderate
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Serious and weighty
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
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