Numerous metaphors common to everyday speech derive from the sport of boxing. Some of these include:
- 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, they were said to be "not up to scratch").
- he was rocked by that one - a fighter was hit by a punch with enough force to be dazed.
- saved by the bell - rescued from defeat by dint of time running out, an unexpected turn of events, etc.
- on the ropes - on the verge of being defeated.
- throw in the towel - to quit, give up.
- come out swinging - to throw oneself into an activity or competition.
- in one's corner - on someone's side, to help or cheer him on.
- down for the count (out for the count) - knocked out, defeated.
- sucker punch - hitting an opponent who is off his guard, unfairly taking advantage of a vulnerability.
- hitting below the belt - 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.
