On the ropes, learn the ropes, crapulent

Here's a front page you may not have expected to see this morning.

Britain's newspapers react to a remarkable night of politics.

https://www.theguardian.com/…/cor-blimey-general-election-u…

HTC has also set several records in Taiwan, and was listed as the most profitable company last year, while co-founder and chairwoman Cher Wang is currently the island's richest person.
Like many Taiwanese firms, HTC started as a contract manufacturer for major foreign brands such as Microsoft and only began developing its own brand of handsets in 2006.
The theory sounds nice -- learn the ropes, then launch your own product -- but so far only a handful of elite Taiwan companies such as computer maker Acer have managed to get it right.
"Others who tried ended up hurting themselves and typically saw their shares fall by half," Wang said.

On the verge of defeat or collapse, helpless, as in They acknowledged that their campaign was on the ropes, and they could not possibly win the election . This expression, alluding to a boxer forced back to the ropes of the ring and leaning against them for support, has been used figuratively since the mid-1900s.

On the ropes - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

idioms.thefreedictionary.com/on+the+ropes

learn the ropes

Meaning

Learn something new.

Origin

A nautical term, from the days of sailing ships when new recruits had to learn how to tie knots and which rope hauled up which sail. After which of course they would know the ropes.

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crapulent (KRAP-yuh-luhnt)

adjective
Sick from excessive drinking or eating.

Etymology
From Late Latin crapulentus (very drunk), from Latin crapula (drunkenness), from Greek kraipal (hangover, drunkenness).

Usage
"A doctor examining one of his more crapulent patients said to him, 'Your body is a temple and your congregation is too large.'" — Dale Turner; Guarding Our Health Lets Us Better Serve in Role God Intended; The Seattle Times; Apr 26, 2003. "1975: Ever in search of new dining experiences, Vancouverites get crapulent on goblets of beer and fat drumsticks at the Mediaeval Inn." — Liz Hodgson; The Curve Theme Restaurants; Vancouver Sun (Canada); Feb 26, 2000.