know the ropes
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So when my wife, Julie, and I were invited to Long Island for the ordination of a son of close friends, we gladly accepted—even though we didn’t really know the ropes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
Bayern - a team who have won their first match in each of their past 22 Champions League campaigns - know the ropes at this level, in a way the current Chelsea side do not.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2025
The advantage the Dudamel Fellows enjoy is that they know the ropes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2021
That you can know the ropes and yet not be hemmed in by them.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 8, 2018
I don’t know enough, I don’t know the ropes, I might be challenged.
From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
