Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin: rap

rope

1 noun
     
rope
Related topics: Material, Textiles
rope1 S3 W3
1 [uncountable and countable]TIM very strong thick string, made by twisting together many thinner strings:
They tied a rope around my waist and pulled me up.
The man was coiling a length of rope.
2

the ropes

[plural]
a) all the things someone needs to know to do a job or deal with a system:
I spent the first month just learning the ropes.
He works repairing streets, and knows the ropes when it comes to safety.
Miss McGinley will show you the ropes and answer any questions.
b) the rope fence that surrounds an area used for boxing or wrestling
3

be on the ropes

informal to be in a very bad situation, in which you are likely to be defeated:
The army says the rebels are on the ropes.
4

be at/near etc the end of your rope

especially American English to have no more patience or strength left to deal with a problem or a difficult situation:
My son is causing endless problems, and I'm close to the end of my rope.
5

give somebody some/enough etc rope

to give someone a lot of freedom to do something in the way they want to do it:
Managers have to decide how much rope to give their subordinates.
6

give somebody enough rope to hang themselves

to give someone freedom to do what they want to do, because you think they will cause problems for themselves and you want them to look stupid
7

a rope of pearls

DCJ pearls on a string, worn around your neck as jewellery
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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