show the ropes
English
Etymology
See learn the ropes.
Verb
show the ropes (third-person singular simple present shows the ropes, present participle showing the ropes, simple past and past participle showed the ropes)
- (informal, transitive or intransitive) To teach the basics of a skill.
- When I got there, Bill showed me the ropes
- Bill showed the ropes to the new guy.
- 2011, Cruise of the Pintail, page 123:
- Mr. Danzinger sent other roomers for Fonville to show the ropes.
Related terms
- learn the ropes