Stay on your toes

Stay alert; boxers (and ballerinas) have to move on their toes for mobility

Example:

“A good boxing trainer often sends the boxers to ballet classes as it teaches them to move around and stay on their toes in a boxing ring.”

“Stay on your toes during the negotiations, as you never know what the lawyers from the other companies are planning.”

Get in the ring

Stand up for yourself (a reference to the ring, or combat area in boxing)

Example:

“If you find yourself under attack in professional situations or at work, just get in the ring and prepare for battle!” 

On the ropes

In trouble; whenever a boxer is being attacked heavily and they are against the ring’s ropes

Example:

“A lot of companies found themselves on the ropes financially during the COVID lockdowns, with some going bankrupt, though others survived after a heavy battle.”

Below the belt

An unfair action; in boxing an illegal and dangerous punch under the opposing fighter’s belt

Example:

“That comment was unnecessary and below the belt. You really didn’t have to say something so nasty and unfair!”

Throw in the towel

Surrender or give up; a technical knockout in boxing

Example:

“You should throw the towel in now as you will never convince him to help you.”

To deal a knockout blow

To do or make a decisive, winning action; to finish your opponent by knocking them to the ground in boxing

Example:

“Our plan to reduce electrical costs by installing solar panels was expensive in the installation, but over time, it reduced our costs and dealt a knockout blow to our rivals as we could offer cheaper services to customers as a result of the money saved.”

A blow-by-blow account of something

A graphic and detailed description of something, related to boxing journalism

Example:

“You will find a blow-by-blow account of the parliamentary debate in tomorrow’s newspapers as the journalists were taking extensive notes of everything that was said.”

Pound for pound

A detailed comparison of two people or things' attributes

Example:

“Pound for pound, Google is far bigger than Facebook as a global entity, taking into account all of their services.”

A split decision

A decision with which not everyone agrees

Example:

“The work-tribunal judgement ended up in a split decision, with three judges in favour and two against.”

To stand a fighting chance

To have a small but determined chance

Example:

“We are a small but confident company, and with our confidence, we will always stand a fighting chance against much bigger opposition.”

To let your guard down 

To lose your concentration and drop your defences in front of an opponent. A boxer’s guard is when they protect their face with the hands and gloves.

Example:

“Never let your guard down in front of lawyers…they’ll eat you alive!”