rope-a-dope

noun

1. a method of tiring out a boxing opponent by pretending to be trapped on the ropes while the opponent expends energy on punches that are blocked
2. ( as modifier )
  rope-a-dope strategy

C20: coined by Muhammad Ali

It was painful to take it, and we knew we would be criticized, but it was our version of the rope-a-dope.

Imagine a boxer who deployed a rope-a-dope strategy but spent the entire fight taking punch after punch on the ropes.

He describes a strategy he uses where he lets his opponent win a few undeserving rounds, similar to a rope-a-dope in boxing.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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