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what does it mean

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ondemania | 14:26 Wed 31st Aug 2005 | Phrases & Sayings
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"show him the ropes" "teach him the ropes"
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Avatar Image Octavius

Well it means to teach somebody how it is done, by demonstration.

It's an old sailing term from the days of tall ships.

14:48 Wed 31st Aug 2005
Avatar Image HAnn521

true...

it just means to teach someone how to do something, show them the way things are done, and get them accustomed to it...

16:56 Wed 31st Aug 2005
Avatar Image Scylax
Two quite correct answers already.  In the Royal Navy of the 18/19 th. century, victims of the 'press gangs' were not popular aboard ship. These landlubbers needed to be taught everything about shipboard duties. 'Knowing the ropes' was essential. It involved teaching the basics about everthing. Failing meant a dose of the 'ropes-end'.
16:54 Sat 03rd Sep 2005

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