Learning the ropes is a phrase used to describe the process of becoming familiar with a NEW job or task. It is often used to refer to the initial period of training and orientation that a NEW employee goes through when starting a job. The term 'learning the ropes' can also be used to refer to the process of gaining experience in any NEW activity. The crossword solutions for the term 'learning the ropes' are NEW, which stands for 'newly experienced worker'.