The 'literal' meaning of “know your ropes” is “to know a lot about ropes,” while figuratively it means “to know a lot about how to do something.”
The story he told was basically true, even if it wasn't the 'literal' truth.
He was a very 'literal' [='literal-minded'] man.
(..) When I sold Aviato, it gave me a house, money, fancy clothes, the universal respect of all the ladies. But there's always been a hole in my heart. Not a literal hole like you would find in some babies with congenital diseases, but a metaphorical hole. I guess that hole is the "what if". (..)2014 TvShow: Silicon Valley Title: Minimum Viable Product Season: 1 Episode 1