# show someone the ropes

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To explain the fundamentals of something to someone.

## Etymology
Derived from sailing ships. The nautical term meaning to teach a complete novice which ropes, or sheets, lead to or support which parts of the ship's structure.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/show-someone-the-ropes