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)

  1. (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.
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