English idiom

learn the ropes

Register · Neutral CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

To learn how to do a job or task properly.

Why this phrase?

From sailors mastering the many ropes that work a ship's sails.

Example

“Give the new hire a week to learn the ropes before judging her.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

get up to speed

to become informed or current on a topic, project, or situation

hit the ground running

to start a new job or project with immediate energy and effectiveness, without needing a slow start

back to basics

returning to the simple, fundamental principles of an activity

call it a day

To decide to stop working on something for now.

do the job

to be good enough to achieve the desired result

have your hands full

To be very busy or fully occupied with responsibilities.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

markdown