idiom (verb phrase) · neutral
learn the ropes
UK/lɜːn ðə rəʊps/US/lɝn ðə roʊps/LEARN·the·ROPES
to learn the basic skills or procedures of a job or activity
Examples
“It took her a month to learn the ropes at the new office.”
“Internships are a good way to learn the ropes before entering the industry.”
“He learned the ropes quickly and was soon given more responsibility.”
Band 8 sentence
“During her apprenticeship she learned the ropes of carpentry and can now supervise junior workers.”
Collocations
- learn the ropes at
- learn the ropes quickly
Word family
Common mistakes
learn ropes→learn the ropes
learn ropes of→learn the ropes of / learn the ropes at
Say it for a higher band
5learn basics→6pick up the basics→7+learn the ropes
Synonyms
pick up the basics
Easily confused
cut one's teeth
“He learned the ropes during his first week on the job.”
Related words
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In Success
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