Definition of "rope-a-dope" [rope-a-dope]

• A technique in which the boxer assumes a defensive stance against the ropes and absorbs an opponent's blows, hoping to exploit eventual tiredness or a mistake. (noun)
• Any strategy where an apparently losing position is assumed in the hope of eventual victory. (noun)

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• "I've already explained why so much of that was off-base, because Brown's Zen rope-a-dope approach was the fundamentally correct course."
• "That is a great deal of money, and testament to his disciplined Zen rope-a-dope approach to the campaign."
• "So why does Brown, who in the latest polling has taken a lead over billionaire Meg Whitman (whom he finally debates for the first time on Tuesday night), his Zen rope-a-dope strategy beginning to pay off, want to be governor (again)?"