B2idiomworkIELTS-friendly
learn the ropes
USUK
to learn the basic skills and rules of a new job or activity
Used about new jobs, clubs and teams. Someone experienced can 'show you the ropes'.
In context
I spent my first month at the bank learning the ropes from a senior colleague.
Don't worry if you feel lost at first; everyone needs time to learn the ropes.
More idioms about work
- a nine-to-five joba regular office job with fixed hours, usually from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- bite off more than you can chewto try to do more than you are able to manage
- call it a dayto decide to stop working, usually because you have done enough for now
- cut cornersto do something quickly or cheaply by skipping steps, often lowering quality or safety
- drop the ballto make a mistake by forgetting or failing to do something you were responsible for