SINCE 1828
the ropes
plural nounDefinition of the ropes
1
: the special way things are done at a particular place or in a particular activity
The veteran cop showed the rookie the ropes. It will take a few weeks for new employees to learn the ropes. someone who knows the ropes
2
: a fence made of rope that encloses a boxing or wrestling ring
The boxer was pushed back against the ropes.
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