Jackspeak of the Royal Canadian Navy

Know the Ropes

A sailor who "knows the ropes" is familiar with the miles of cordage and ropes involved in running a ship. Today, it describes someone who has expertise, however it was traditionally the reverse. It was once used to describe a novice sailor who simply knew the names and uses of the ships ropes, but not much else.

Added: 2014-11-01 Last modified: 2014-11-01