know the ropes

Meaning: To be familiar with a task or situation.

Example: “Ask Marco; he knows the ropes around here.”

Equivalents in other languages

French: Nourri dans le sérail Literally: Raised in the seraglio

Origin: Know the ropes is more frequently used to describe knowing the procedures to follow in a given situation (how to do something), whereas ins and outs more often describes the complex and hidden details of a situation.

More English idioms

lay down the law To set rules and regulations.
lay one's cards on the table To be open and honest; to reveal everything.
learn the ropes To become familiar with a task or situation.
leave someone in the lurch To abandon someone to a difficult situation, forcing him or her to take all the responsib…
leave someone out in the cold To shun someone; to exclude someone from a place or activity.
leave someone high and dry Abandoned or stranded; helpless.

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Equivalents in other languages

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