a strong, thick line or cord, commonly one composed of twisted or braided strands of hemp, flax, or the like, or of wire or other material.

a lasso.

ropes,

the cords used to enclose a prize ring or other space.

Informal . the operations of a business or the details of any undertaking

The new employee didn't take long to learn the ropes.

a hangman's noose, halter, or cord.

the sentence or punishment of death by hanging.

a quantity of material or a number of things twisted or strung together in the form of a cord

a rope of tobacco.

a stringy, viscid, or glutinous formation in a liquid

ropes of slime.

to tie, bind, or fasten with a rope.

to enclose, partition, or mark off with a rope or ropes (often fol. by off ).

to catch with a lasso; lasso.

Nautical . to reinforce (a sail or awning) with a boltrope.

to be drawn out into a filament of thread; become ropy. ?

rope in, Informal . to lure or entice, esp. by employing deception

The swindler had roped in a number of gullible persons.

at the end of one's rope

at the end of one's endurance or means; at the limit

With all her savings gone and bills piling up, she was at the end of her rope.

give someone enough rope

to allow a person complete freedom to continue his or her misdeeds in hope that retribution will follow.

on the ropes

Boxing . in a defenseless position, as leaning against the ropes to keep from falling.

Informal . in a desperate or hopeless position; close to defeat or failure

By repeatedly undercutting his prices, his competitors soon had him on the ropes.