What is "rope of sand"

Rope \Rope\, n. [AS. r[=a]p; akin to D. reep, G. reif ring hoop, Icel. reip rope, Sw. rep, Dan. reb, reeb Goth. skaudaraip latchet.]

1. A large, stout cord, usually one not less than an inch in circumference, made of strands twisted or braided together. It differs from cord, line, and string, only in its size. See Cordage.

2. A row or string consisting of a number of things united, as by braiding, twining, etc.; as, a rope of onions.

3. pl. The small intestines; as, the ropes of birds.

   Rope ladder, a ladder made of ropes.

   Rope mat., a mat made of cordage, or strands of old rope.

   Rope of sand, something of no cohession or fiber; a feeble union or tie; something not to be relied upon.

   Rope pump, a pump in which a rapidly running endless rope raises water by the momentum communicated to the water by its adhesion to the rope.

   Rope transmission (Mach.), a method of transmitting power, as between distant places, by means of endless ropes running over grooved pulleys.

   Rope's end, a piece of rope; especially, one used as a lash in inflicting punishment.

   To give one rope, to give one liberty or license; to let one go at will uncheked.

n. Something of no cohesion or fiber; a feeble union or tie; something not to be relied upon.

Rope of Sand is a 1949 adventure-suspense film noir produced by Hal Wallis and directed by William Dieterle. Set in South West Africa, the film stars Wallis contract star Burt Lancaster and three stars from Wallis's Casablanca; Paul Henreid, Claude Rains and Peter Lorre. The film introduces Corinne Calvet, and features Sam Jaffe, John Bromfield and Kenny Washington in supporting roles. Desert portions of the film were shot in Yuma, Arizona.