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 Miz, whose real name is Mike Mizanin, told Fox News Digital in recent interview that Sanders is in a great spot to learn the ropes as a professional quarterback with Joe Flacco on the roster. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025

Just another day in a June no-contact practice where the 49ers’ backup for their $265 million starter is learning the ropes as a valuable insurance policy. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 5 June 2025

After each rescue, a new line is thrown down, so there’s no strain on the ropes and harnesses. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 4 June 2025

There is still a learning curve but his teammates are excited to show him the ropes. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025

Rhymes for the ropes

• antelopes
• biotopes
• cantaloupes
• envelopes
• epitopes
• gyroscopes
• horoscopes
• isotopes
• microscopes
• telescopes
• copes
• gropes