Idiom: At the end of one's rope

[Haihao]

Hi,

Could you please tell me what or what rope the 'rope' applies to in 'at the end of one's rope'? Is it related to nautics?

Many thanks in advance.

Haihao

[Mister Micawber]

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I usually envision mountain-climbing myself.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Yankee]

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Some suggest that this idiom originated as a reference to a hangman's noose. :shock:
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Abr4xii]

At the limits of one's resources, abilities.
This expression alludes to a tied-up animal that can graze only as far as the rope (or tether) permits.

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/end-of-one-s-rope-at-the