Experienced bell-ringers will know them (5)

I believe the answer is:

ropes

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'experienced bell-ringers' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ropes that I've seen before include "Hawsers" , "known to be adept?" , "Lashings" , "Experts are familiar with these" , "Guys" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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