Standard Lemma guide

rope-a-dope

noun · verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

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.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: boxing, government, hobbies, lifestyle, martial-arts, military, politics, sports, war

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Any strategy where an apparently losing position is assumed in the hope of eventual victory.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To exhaust someone by stringing them along.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • Willis rope-a-doped us all night.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

a boxing tactic: pretending to be trapped against the ropes while your opponent wears himself out throwing punches

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: boxing, pugilism, fisticuffs

History

Etymology

See Rope-a-dope.