the ropes
plural noun
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.
Examples of the ropes in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Through it all, the Lakers remained a family business in its truest sense, Buss’ youngest sons Joey and Jesse learning the ropes in business and scouting in the same way his older children did.
—
Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
There was an awkward moment where Becky Lynch leaned against the ropes, feigning fear of Bayley.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
If a dismissive word was uttered, it could not be heard inside the ropes.
—Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 15 June 2025
As Scott left the putting surface, Spaun tried to figure out how to attack a 187-yard approach shot from outside the ropes in the gallery and Burns stared at a ball that was engulfed by Oakmont’s thick rough about 10 yards ahead of him.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the ropes
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
There was an awkward moment where Becky Lynch leaned against the ropes, feigning fear of Bayley.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
If a dismissive word was uttered, it could not be heard inside the ropes.
—Hugh Kellenberger, New York Times, 15 June 2025
As Scott left the putting surface, Spaun tried to figure out how to attack a 187-yard approach shot from outside the ropes in the gallery and Burns stared at a ball that was engulfed by Oakmont’s thick rough about 10 yards ahead of him.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for the ropes
Cite this Entry
“The ropes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20ropes. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share