PhrasesHub

Find your feet

    Definitions

      • Gain familiarity and comfort in a new situation
        To adapt and adjust to a new environment or situation, often used in reference to starting a new job or moving to a new place

      • Gain independence and self-confidence
        To become self-sufficient and confident in one's abilities, especially after being in a dependent or vulnerable position

    Examples of Find your feet

    • After moving to a new city, it took Sarah a few weeks to find her feet.

      This idiom means to become comfortable and confident in a new situation. Sarah was adjusting to her new surroundings and needed some time to get used to her new environment before she felt completely at ease.

    • When starting a new job, it can take a while to find your feet.

      This is similar to the first example, but specifically refers to starting a new job. The person may need some time to learn the company's policies, procedures, and culture before they feel confident and comfortable in their role.

    • After buying a new car, it took a few days for the driver to find their feet.

      This idiom can also be used to refer to getting used to a new object or experience. In this case, the driver may have been unfamiliar with the car's features or controls, and needed some time to adjust before feeling completely comfortable behind the wheel.

    • The new sales manager took a few weeks to find her feet in the company.

      This is another example of the idiom being used in a business context. The sales manager may have needed some time to learn the company's sales strategies, understand the competition, and build relationships with customers before feeling confident in her role.

    • When starting a new hobby, it can take a while to find your feet.

      This is a more general example of the idiom being used. The person may need some time to learn the basics of the hobby, understand the terminology, and build the necessary skills before feeling completely comfortable and confident in their new pursuit.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "find your feet" is used to describe the process of becoming comfortable and confident in a new situation or environment. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts, emphasizing the idea of gaining a sense of stability and balance.

    In the first meaning, "find your feet" is often used when starting a new job or moving to a new place. It suggests that it may take some time to adjust and become familiar with the surroundings, but eventually one will find their footing and feel more at ease. This can also apply to learning a new skill or taking on a new responsibility.

    The second meaning highlights the idea of gaining independence and self-confidence. It can be used in situations where someone has been relying on others or feeling unsure of themselves, but then they "find their feet" and become more self-sufficient and confident. This can also refer to overcoming a difficult or challenging experience and coming out stronger and more resilient.

    Origin of "Find your feet"

    The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is thought to have originated in the late 1800s in Britain. The phrase may have been inspired by the idea of finding one's balance and footing, both physically and metaphorically. It is also possible that it was influenced by the idea of finding one's way or path in life.

    Interestingly, a similar phrase in French, "se mettre sur son 31" (meaning "to put on one's 31"), also originated around the same time and refers to dressing up or presenting oneself in a confident and polished manner. This could suggest that "find your feet" may have been influenced by French idioms and phrases.

    In conclusion, "find your feet" is a versatile and commonly used idiom that conveys the idea of gaining familiarity, comfort, and confidence in a new situation or environment. Its origin is uncertain, but it has become a popular phrase in English and is still widely used today.