Donate SIGN UP
Home > Phrases & Sayings > what does it mean

what does it mean

Avatar Image
ondemania | 13:26 Wed 31st Aug 2005 | Phrases & Sayings
3 Answers
"show him the ropes" "teach him the ropes"
prev What does proportional in this context mean?
  
next Butterflies
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 3 of 3rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by ondemania. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
Avatar Image Octavius

Well it means to teach somebody how it is done, by demonstration.

It's an old sailing term from the days of tall ships.

13:48 Wed 31st Aug 2005
Avatar Image HAnn521

true...

it just means to teach someone how to do something, show them the way things are done, and get them accustomed to it...

15:56 Wed 31st Aug 2005
Avatar Image Scylax
Two quite correct answers already.  In the Royal Navy of the 18/19 th. century, victims of the 'press gangs' were not popular aboard ship. These landlubbers needed to be taught everything about shipboard duties. 'Knowing the ropes' was essential. It involved teaching the basics about everthing. Failing meant a dose of the 'ropes-end'.
15:54 Sat 03rd Sep 2005

1 to 3 of 3rss feed

Do you know the answer?

what does it mean

Answer Question >>