learn the ropes

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• Received-Pronunciation: /ˈlɜːn ðə ˈɹəʊps/
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• General-American: /ˈlɝn ðə ˈɹoʊps/
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• US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
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Of nautical origin: in the past, the phrase “he knows the ropes” written on a seaman’s discharge meant that he was inexperienced and familiar only with a ship’s principal ropes.

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

• Chinese Mandarin: 摸門 /摸门 (mōmén) — learn the basics
• Finnish: oppia alkeet — learn the basics
• French: apprendre les ficelles du métier — learn the basics
• Hungarian: elsajátítja ... alapjait — learn the basics
• Hungarian: megtanulja, mi hogy van/működik — learn the basics
• Italian: avere dimestichezza — learn the basics
• Italian: imparare il mestiere — learn the basics
• Chinese Mandarin: 學習門道 /学习门道 (xuéxí méndào) — learn some skill requiring specialist knowledge
• Finnish: oppia salat — learn some skill requiring specialist knowledge
• Hungarian: megtanulja ... csínját-bínját — learn some skill requiring specialist knowledge
• Hungarian: kitanulja a szakmát — learn some skill requiring specialist knowledge
• Italian: specializzarsi — learn some skill requiring specialist knowledge