dance on a rope

Definitions

1. 1

   To be hanged.

   • He sat and watched him dancing on a rope, choking and fighting for every breath, until his tongue swelled up in his mouth and his face turned black and still he struggled.
   • “I ain't no murderer and I don't care to dance on a rope!” “Me neither!” Gravelling's voice was just as shaky. “I'm lookin' at a few years, but not the hangman!”
2. 2

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically

   Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see dance, rope.; to dance on a tightrope or slack rope as an entertainer.

The neighborhood