THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
- 09 Feb - 15 Feb, 2019
This expression describes someone who is experienced at what they are doing. Whereas, “showing someone the ropes” means to explain to them how something is done. The phrase has its origins in the golden age of sailing, when understanding how to handle the ropes necessary to operate a ship and its sails was an essential maritime skill. By the mid-19th century it was a common slang expression, and it survives to this day.
COMMENTS