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View synonyms for know the ropes

know the ropes

  1. To be familiar with the details of an operation: “You won't have to train the new computer operator; she already knows the ropes.”


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Idioms and Phrases

Be informed about the details of a situation or task. For example, Don't worry about Sara's taking over that reporter's job—she already knows the ropes . This expression alludes to sailors learning the rigging so as to handle a sailing vessel's ropes. It was being used figuratively by the late 1800s. The same allusion is present in show someone the ropes , meaning “to familiarize someone with the details,” as in Tom's very experienced—he'll show you the ropes .

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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