Rope-a-dope (Noun)
Meaning
A boxing tactic: pretending to be trapped against the ropes while your opponent wears himself out throwing punches.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- Muhammad Ali popularized the rope-a-dope tactic in his 1974 fight against George Foreman, appearing severely weakened as his opponent threw relentless blows.
- The young boxer mastered the rope-a-dope technique, often using it to test his opponents' endurance and catch them off guard.
- What seemed like an irresponsible strategy at first glance turned out to be a clever rope-a-dope ploy that earned the fighter a much-needed advantage.
- Foreman's inability to finish the fight early left him vulnerable to Ali's rope-a-dope tactic, ultimately resulting in his own exhaustion.
- Early criticism of the underdog's performance was later reversed as it became apparent that his use of the rope-a-dope was a deliberate strategy rather than desperation.