Rope of sand

Also found in: Idioms, Wikipedia.
something of no cohession or fiber; a feeble union or tie; something not to be relied upon.

See also: Rope

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by G. & C. Merriam Co.
Mentioned in
References in classic literature
But the wise know that foolish legislation is a rope of sand which perishes in the twisting; that the State must follow and not lead the character and progress of the citizen; the strongest usurper is quickly got rid of; and they only who build on Ideas, build for eternity; and that the form of government which prevails is the expression of what cultivation exists in the population which permits it.
View in context
Laband, Rope of Sand (Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 1995), 189; Frere to Herbert, 3 November 1878, cited in Worsfold, 84; Frere to Carnarvon, 14 November 1877, cited in Hardinge, vol.
Imperial strategy and the Anglo--Zulu War of 1879
The next year, he appeared in "Rope of Sand," again starring Lancaster and a young French beauty named Corinne Calvet.
John Bromfield
Copyright © 2003-2025 Farlex, Inc Disclaimer
All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.