English Dictionary

rope-a-dope

noun

(boxing) A technique in which the boxer assumes a defensive stance against the ropes and absorbs an opponent's blows, hoping to exploit eventual tiredness or a mistake.

He used the rope-a-dope strategy to tire out his opponent.

意味（1）

(boxing) A technique in which the boxer assumes a defensive stance against the ropes and absorbs an opponent's blows, hoping to exploit eventual tiredness or a mistake.

He sounded like a retired boxer who'd specialized in the rope-a-dope.

意味（2）

(figuratively) Any strategy where an apparently losing position is assumed in the hope of eventual victory.

[…] process that in recent years has degenerated, sadly, into one long scorched-earth campaign filled with partisan rancor and legislative rope-a-dope.