rope: [OE] Rope is a general Germanic term, represented also by German reif, Dutch reep, Swedish rep, and Danish reb (the German word now means ‘hoop, loop’). These point to a prehistoric Germanic ancestor *raipaz, whose ultimate origins are not known. A stirrup is etymologically a ‘climbing rope’. => stirrup
rope (n.)
Old English rap "rope, cord, cable," from Proto-Germanic *raipaz (cognates: Old Norse reip, West Frisian reap, Middle Dutch, Dutch reep "rope," Old Frisian silrap "shoe-thong," Gothic skauda-raip "shoe-lace," Old High German, German reif "ring, hoop"). Technically, only cordage above one inch in circumference and below 10 (bigger-around than that is a cable). Nautical use varies. Finnish raippa "hoop, rope, twig" is a Germanic loan-word.
To know the ropes (1840, Dana) originally is a seaman's term. Phrase on the ropes "defeated" is attested from 1924, a figurative extension from the fight ring, where ropes figure from 1829. To be at the end of (one's) rope "out of resources and options" is first attested 1680s. Formerly also in many slang and extended uses related to punishment by hanging, such as John Roper's window "a noose," rope-ripe "deserving to be hanged," both 16c. To give someone (enough) rope (to hang himself) is from 1650s.
rope (v.)
c. 1300, "bind with a rope," from rope (n.). Meaning "mark off with rope" is from 1738; to rope (someone or something) in is from 1848. Related: Roped; roping.
实用例句
1. They skip rope and play catch, waiting for the bell.
他们又是跳绳，又是玩接球，等着上课铃声响起。
来自柯林斯例句
2. He used a rope to mark off the circle.
他用绳子把那个圈围了起来。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The King has merely given the politicians enough rope to hang themselves.
国王只不过是给了这些政客自缚的绳子。
来自柯林斯例句
4. If we give her enough rope, she will hang herself.
如果我们让她为所欲为，她一定会栽大跟头的。
来自柯林斯例句
5. One of them unwound a length of rope from around his waist.
