rope [OE] This is one of the oldest English words, recorded as early as ad 725. A way of dealing with a person who is causing problems is to give them enough rope—in full give a man enough rope and he will hang himself [M17th]. On the ropes [M19th] is from boxing, and conjures up the picture of a losing contestant forced back by his opponent against the ropes that mark the sides of the ring. To show someone the ropes goes back to the early 19th century and the days of sailing ships. Skill in handling ropes and tying knots was essential for any sailor, and the idea was soon extended to other walks of life. A range of variations on the theme developed, including learn the ropes and the more familiar know the ropes. Ropy meaning ‘not very good’ is RAF slang, dating from the early 1940s. It probably derives from the phrase money for old rope [1930s] although another idea links it to the old biplanes, festooned with ‘ropes’ or supporting wires, that were then being replaced by modern Spitfires and Hurricanes.