Contra las cuerdas
 

Does anyone know what it means. Against the grain, maybe?

I think "contra las cuerdas" means "in a hard/difficult place".

Poner contra las cuerdas (a alguien) = to place (someone) in a difficult position / to pressure someone / to make things difficult for someone
Estar contra las cuerdas = to be in a tight spot / to have problems

Edit: It looks like the movie Against the ropes it translated contra las cuerdas. So that is probably the most accurate translation, and this expression must come from boxing terminology.

Agree with David. You can add 'to corner' to the poner group.

Yes, that sounds right. Thanks guys!

Agree with David.
I also suppose it comes from boxing, when somebody is cornering you and pressing you "against the ropes" of the ring, so you are for sure pressured.
Saludos :D