give someone (enough) rope (to hang themselves) Definition

rope
noun

1a. Strong thick cord made by twisting fibres of hemp, wire or some other material together;
1b. A length of this.

Thesaurus: line, cord, cable, strand, string, thread.
2. A number of objects, especially pearls or onions, strung together.
3a. A hangman's noose;

Form: the rope
3b. Execution by this means.

Form: the rope
4. The cords that mark off a boxing or wrestling ring, or the boundary of a cricket ground.

Form: ropes
(Scots)
5. A clothes-line.

Example: hang the washing on the rope
(US)
6. A lasso.
7. A long glutinous strand of a viscous substance found especially in contaminated beer.


Example: a rope ladder
Example: rope-soles

verb roped, roping

1. To tie, fasten or bind with rope or as if with rope.

Thesaurus: catch, bind, fasten, tie, tether, hitch, pinion.
2. To enclose, separate or divide it with a rope.

Thesaurus: segregate, restrict, reserve, mark off.
Form: rope something in (usually)
Form: rope something off
3. mountaineering.
To tie (climbers) together with a rope for safety.
(chiefly N Amer)
4. To catch (an animal) with a rope; to lasso.
intr
5. Said of a viscous substance: to form into a rope.

Idiom: give someone (enough) rope (to hang themselves)

To allow them to bring about their own downfall as a result of their ill-considered or foolish actions, behaviour, etc.

Idiom: know the ropes

To have a thorough knowledge and experience of what needs to be done in a particular circumstance or for a particular job.

Idiom: on the ropes

Driven back against the ropes of a boxing ring.

In a desperate position.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon rap.

Phrasal Verb: rope someone in

To persuade them to take part in some activity.

Phrasal Verb: rope up

Said of a group of climbers: to tie themselves together with a rope for safety.