Example: El equipo rival nos puso contra las cuerdas en el partido.
Definition
"Poner contra las cuerdas" is a Spanish expression meaning to put someone in a very difficult or pressured situation where they have limited options, similar to being cornered or on the ropes in a boxing match. For example, the rival team put us under intense pressure in the game.
Translations
to corner someone
in het nauw drijven
posar contra les cordes
mettre dans les cordes
in die Enge treiben
Etymology
The phrase "poner contra las cuerdas" literally translates to 'put against the ropes' and originates from boxing, where a fighter pressed against the ropes has limited movement and is at a disadvantage. Over time, this literal meaning evolved into a metaphor for facing tough challenges or pressure in various contexts.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Poner contra las cuerdas" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (C1) - parte 1", containing 120 commonly used expressions.
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to corner someone