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