rope

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C,U] very strong thick string made by twisting thinner strings, wires, etc. together: The rope broke and she fell 50 metres onto the rocks. * We tied his hands together with rope. * The anchor was attached to a length of rope. * Coils of rope lay on the quayside. seealsoJUMPROPE, SKIPPINGROPE, TOWROPE 2 (the ropes) [pl.] the fence made of rope that is around the edge of the area where a boxing or WRESTLING match takes place 3 [C] a number of similar things attached together by a string or thread: a rope of pearls / beads IDIOMS give sb enough rope to allow sb freedom to do what they want, especially in the hope that they will make a mistake or look silly: The question was vague, giving the interviewee enough rope to hang herself. on the ropes (informal) very close to being defeated show sb / know / learn the ropes (informal) to show sb/know/learn how a particular job should be done moreatENDn., MONEY verb [VN] 1 [+adv./prep.] ~ A and B together