Boxing is an Ancient Sport and dates back to thousands of years. Since this sport has been popular, numerous metaphors common to everyday speech are derived from the sport of boxing. Some of these include:
| Metaphor |
Definition |
| he was rocked by that one |
a fighter was hit by a punch with enough force to be dazed |
| not up to scratch |
subpar, not able to do the task at hand (in the old days of boxing, boxers started the round by stepping over a scratch made in the ring, but if a boxer could not do this to keep the round going, he was said to be "not up to scratch") |
| saved by the bell |
rescued from defeat by dint of time running out, an unexpected turn of events, etc. (ironically, this is no longer allowed, as due to rule changes a boxer cannot be saved by the bell in any round, including the last round) |
| on (or against) the ropes |
on the verge of being defeated |
| throw in the towel |
to quit, give up. Traditionally, a boxer's manager or trainer will throw a towel into the ring if he feels that his fighter cannot win and is endangering himself. |
| come out swinging |
to throw oneself into an activity or competition; in boxing, to pursue the opponent aggressively (possibly recklessly) |
| in one's corner |
on someone's side, to help or cheer him on |
| down/out for the count |
knocked out, defeated |
| sucker punch |
hitting an opponent who is off his guard, taking advantage of a vulnerability |
| hitting below the belt /low blow |
a grossly unfair attack (in everyday life, usually of a verbal nature) |
| punch drunk |
dazed or incoherent (originally, from being repeatedly struck, can refer to dazes generally) |
| pull one's punches |
to hold back, withhold full force or attack |
| in the arena |
to be participating, engaged |
| keep your guard up |
to remain alert, on the defensive |
| go toe to toe |
to engage an opponent head-on (reference to two boxers in guard facing each other) |
| taking it on the chin |
to absorb punishment can refer to personally or physically; In boxing, a chin refers to the ability to take punishment in the face. |
