Know the Ropes (Origin)

What Is the Origin of the Saying "Know the Ropes"?

The term "know the ropes" means to understand the details. "Know the ropes" originates from the days of sailing ships when sailors were required to understand which ropes to operate and how to tie various knots. It came into common use as a metaphor for "to understand the details" as early as the 1840s (evidence).

Competing Theory

The term "know the ropes" originates from the theatre where stagehands were required to know which ropes to pull to raise curtains and move stage scenery.

Previous and Next Sayings

Test Your Knowledge of English Proverbs and Idioms

Ready for the Test?

More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms