rope-a-dope

• Tática de boxe em que o lutador finge estar encurralado nas cordas, deixando o adversário golpear até se cansar, para então contra-atacar. Por extensão, qualquer estratégia de aparente passividade usada para exaurir o oponente antes de reagir.

A boxing tactic in which a fighter pretends to be trapped against the ropes, allowing the opponent to throw punches until they become exhausted, then counterattacking.

1. Boxing tacticC1informalsport

   A defensive boxing strategy where a fighter leans against the ropes, covering up to absorb punches, allowing the opponent to tire before launching a counterattack.

   estratégia cordas-dope

   • Ali famously used the rope-a-dope against Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle.
   • The boxer employed a rope-a-dope strategy to conserve his energy.
   • His rope-a-dope tactic frustrated the aggressive opponent.

2. Strategic patienceC1informal

   A broader strategy of appearing passive or weak to exhaust an opponent's resources or patience before striking back.

   Paciência estratégica

   • In the negotiation, he played rope-a-dope, letting the other side make all the demands first.
   • The startup used a rope-a-dope approach, letting competitors overspend before launching their product.
   • She mastered the rope-a-dope in debates, letting her opponent tire themselves out.

   Sinônimoswaiting game