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To know the ropes means to understand how something works and to know the right way to do things. It is used to describe how someone is knowledgeable or experienced.
The expression comes from sailing. Sailors had to learn which ropes controlled the sails and how to handle them correctly, so someone who knew the ropes was an experienced and capable sailor.
The expression comes from sailing. Sailors had to learn which ropes controlled the sails and how to handle them correctly, so someone who knew the ropes was an experienced and capable sailor.
Ask him-he really knows the ropes.