show the ropes en · VERB
Etymology
See learn the ropes.
Meanings
-
(informal, intransitive, transitive) To teach the basics of a skill.
One nice boy, whom I leave behind to show the ropes, is scandalously killed by one of their sentries.
1930, Frank Percy Crozier, A Brass Hat in No Man's Land, J. Cape & H. Smith, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 87:Mr. Danzinger sent other roomers for Fonville to show the ropes.
2011, Cruise of the Pintail, page 123:When I got there, Bill showed me the ropes
Bill showed the ropes to the new guy.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| showed the ropes | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| shows the ropes | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| showing the ropes | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| shown the ropes | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |