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Contra las cuerdas

 

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not readily apparent based on the individual words in the expression. This forum is dedicated to discussing idioms and other sayings.

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  #1
Old February 27, 2009, 06:12 AM
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Contra las cuerdas
Does anyone know what it means. Against the grain, maybe?
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  #2
Old February 27, 2009, 07:49 AM
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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.
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  #3
Old February 27, 2009, 08:55 AM
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Agree with David. You can add 'to corner' to the poner group.
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  #4
Old February 27, 2009, 09:55 AM
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Yes, that sounds right. Thanks guys!
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  #5
Old March 07, 2009, 05:24 AM
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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.
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