Search results for 'rope':

rope noun 1 a strong thick cord made by twisting fibres of hemp, wire or some other material together; b a length of this. 2 a number of objects, especially pearls or onions, strung together. 3 (the rope) a a hangman's noose; b execution by this means. 4 (ropes) the cords that mark off a boxing or wrestling ring, or the boundary of a cricket ground. 5 Scottish a clothes-line • hang the washing on the rope. 6 US a lasso. 7 a long glutinous strand of a viscous substance found especially in contaminated beer. 8 as adj • a rope ladder • rope-soles. verb (roped, roping) 1 to tie, fasten or bind with rope or as if with rope. 2 (usually rope something in or off) to enclose, separate or divide it with a rope. 3 mountaineering to tie (climbers) together with a rope for safety. 4 chiefly N Amer to catch (an animal) with a rope; to lasso. 5 intrans said of a viscous substance: to form into a rope. give someone (enough) rope (to hang themselves) to allow them to bring about their own downfall as a result of their ill-considered or foolish actions, behaviour, etc. know the ropes to have a thorough knowledge and experience of what needs to be done in a particular circumstance or for a particular job. on the ropes 1 boxing driven back against the ropes of a boxing ring. 2 in a desperate position.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon rap.