learn the ropes

Verb

learn the ropes (third-person singular simple present learns the ropes, present participle learning the ropes, simple past and past participle learned the ropes or learnt the ropes)

1. (informal) To learn the basics or master introductory knowledge.
   • Work slowly and cautiously until you have learned the ropes.
   • When he [Abraham Lincoln] became President he was without any considerable experience in public affairs; nor was he much versed in history, whose lessons would have been most valuable. As he became more familiar with the place, his facility evidently increased. He had "learned the ropes," so he...1865 June 1, Charles Sumner, “Eulogy”, in Documents of the City of Boston, for the Year 1865, volume II (Containing Documents from No. 44 to No. 115, Inclusive), Boston, Mass.: J. E. Farwell and...
2. (informal) To learn some skill requiring specialist knowledge.
   • While it is unlikely that [Lonny] Baxter plays a significant role immediately, he will be able to learn the ropes of interior play from such veterans as [Dikembe] Mutumbo, Yao [Ming], and [Juwan] Howard.2005, “2005–2006 Houston Rockets Season Preview”, in National Basketball Association, archived from the original on 01 May 2008
   • Yet for nearly ten years [Bill] Kenwright refused to speak to his nephew after Adam, who learned the ropes of theatre production from his uncle, decided to go it alone.2008 July 17, Richard Kay, “Kenwright heals his family rift”, in Daily Mail, London: DMG Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 04 Mar 2016