English Explanatory Dictionary

show someone the ropes

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To explain the fundamentals of something to someone.

Word forms

show someone the ropes shows someone the ropes showing someone the ropes showed someone the ropes shown someone the ropes

Etymology

Derived from sailing ships. The nautical term meaning to teach a complete novice which ropes, or sheets, lead to or support which parts of the ship's structure.

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