1. The bank manager told the new trainee to keep his eyes open and watch what the other tellers did until he learned the ropes
2. I’m willing to work long hours and I’ll work for free. I’m anxious to learn the ropes of this business.

Synonym: learn the ins and outs. Compare to: know the ropes. These expressions are similar, but take place at different times. Before one knows the ropes , one learns the ropes