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.
雙語例句
1. They skip rope and play catch, waiting for the bell.
他們又是跳繩，又是玩接球，等著上課鈴聲響起。
來自柯林斯例句
2. He used a rope to mark off the circle.
他用繩子把那個圈圍了起來。
來自柯林斯例句
3. The King has merely given the politicians enough rope to hang themselves.
國王只不過是給了這些政客自縛的繩子。
來自柯林斯例句
4. If we give her enough rope, she will hang herself.
如果我們讓她為所欲為，她一定會栽大跟頭的。
來自柯林斯例句
5. One of them unwound a length of rope from around his waist.