learn the ropes

to understand how to do a particular job or activity It'll take some time for the new receptionist to learn the ropes.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the forms know the ropes (to understand how something is done) and show someone the ropes or teach someone the ropes (to teach someone how something is done): You'd better find someone to show you the ropes if you're going to fix the car yourself.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Antipatros	-	Ancient Greek
Regan	REE-gən	English
Bruno	BROO-no (German), BRUW-naw (Polish)	German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Croatian, Polish, Ancient Germanic
Nicodemo	nee-ko-DE-mo (Italian), nee-ko-DHE-mo (Spanish)	Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Xiuying	-	Chinese
Thucydides	thoo-SID-ə-deez (English)	Ancient Greek (Latinized)