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
The Phillies are firmly on the ropes as the action shifts to Dodger Stadium starting Wednesday.
—
Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Here's a closer look at the actors and characters who make up Nashville's newest emergency crew — from veteran stars anchoring the firehouse to rising newcomers learning the ropes, plus a few familiar names from country music.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025
Bassetti, who was born near Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy and splits his time between Paris and Rome, learned the ropes of TV production in Milan.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Plus, the ropes course and a pig race ride are returning for 2025.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the ropes
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Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Here's a closer look at the actors and characters who make up Nashville's newest emergency crew — from veteran stars anchoring the firehouse to rising newcomers learning the ropes, plus a few familiar names from country music.
—Bryan West, Nashville Tennessean, 7 Oct. 2025
Bassetti, who was born near Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy and splits his time between Paris and Rome, learned the ropes of TV production in Milan.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Oct. 2025
Plus, the ropes course and a pig race ride are returning for 2025.
—Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 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 9 Oct. 2025.
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