rope a dope
/ˈroʊp ə ˌdoʊp/
noun
- A strategy in boxing where a fighter leans against the ropes and lets the opponent punch, tiring them out before counterattacking.
- Coaches sometimes teach the rope-a-dope as a defensive strategy for experienced fighters.
- Ali used the rope-a-dope to exhaust Foreman in the famous Rumble in the Jungle.
- The boxer's rope-a-dope tactic frustrated his opponent and led to a knockout.
- A strategy of appearing passive or weak to lure an opponent into overconfidence or exhaustion before striking back.
- In the debate, the candidate played a rope-a-dope, letting his rival attack while he saved his best points for the end.
- She used a rope-a-dope approach in the negotiation, letting the other side make demands before revealing her strong position.
- The company's quiet response was a rope-a-dope to make competitors underestimate their new product.