PhrasesHub

like a fish out of water

    Definitions

      • feeling uncomfortable or out of place
        To describe someone who is in a situation where they do not feel comfortable or do not know how to act

      • unable to function properly
        To describe something or someone that is not in its natural or usual environment and is therefore not functioning as it should

    Examples of like a fish out of water

    • Sarah, who had always been a talented swimmer, felt like a fish out of water in her first ballet class. The intricate footwork and graceful movements were unfamiliar territory for her, leaving her feeling clumsy and out of place.

      The idiom "like a fish out of water" is used to describe a person who is in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation, much like a fish that is taken out of its natural environment. In this example, Sarah's experience in the ballet class left her feeling disoriented and struggling to adapt to her new surroundings.

    • Steve's job as a sales executive had always been a source of confidence for him, but suddenly he found himself like a fish out of water in his newly promoted role as a manager. Overseeing a team required a different set of skills than just closing deals, and Steve was struggling to find his footing.

      Here, the idiom highlights Steve's lack of experience or expertise in his new position. Just as a fish out of water is unable to survive in its altered environment, Steve is in a situation that demands abilities he hasn't yet learned.

    • John's love for cooking had never extended beyond his own kitchen, but he agreed to help prepare dinner for his friend's party. As he stood in the professional kitchen, surrounded by busy chefs and sizzling pans, John felt completely out of his depth.

      This example illustrates the use of the idiom to indicate a sense of inexperience or lack of familiarity with a particular setting. John, who is accustomed to cooking in his own environment, suddenly finds himself foreign to the professional kitchen scene.

    • The politician's belief system collided with the government's policies, leaving her like a fish out of water in her own party. She struggled to reconcile her principles with the realities of politics and her roles within her organization.

      This final example demonstrates the versatility of the idiom to describe not just personal but also political situations. Here, the idiom highlights the speaker's discomfort and difficulties in conforming to the expectations of her party, similar to the experience of a fish being moved from its natural habitat.

    • Jane felt like a fish out of water at her friend's fancy gala. She was used to wearing jeans and t-shirts, not gowns and heels.

      This idiom means feeling uncomfortable or out of place in an unfamiliar environment, just as a fish would feel out of water if it were suddenly taken out of the ocean and placed on land. In this example, Jane's unfamiliarity with formal events and high fashion makes her feel ill at ease, similar to a fish struggling to breathe in air instead of water.

    • The CEO's presentation was a disaster - he stumbled over his words and seemed completely out of his element, like a fish out of water.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who is not performing well or is struggling to succeed in a given situation, similar to a fish gasping for air in a dangerous environment. In this example, the CEO's nerves and lack of preparation make him seem out of place and unfamiliar with the demands of this particular task.

    • After retiring from the military, John found it difficult to adjust to civilian life. He felt like a fish out of water in a job that required him to sit at a desk all day.

      This idiom can also be used to describe a situation in which someone is suddenly moved or displaced from their normal routine, causing them to feel confused or disoriented. John's transition from military life, with its structured and active environment, to a more routine and stationary job is like a fish being taken out of the ocean and placed in a quiet, calm environment.

    • The student's first day of college was like a fish out of water - she had never been in such a large, bustling environment before.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone's initial experience in an unfamiliar location or situation. The student's lack of familiarity with the busy and crowded atmosphere of college is similar to a fish being taken out of its natural environment and placed in a chaotic and overwhelming space.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "like a fish out of water" is used to describe a person or thing that is not in its natural or usual environment and therefore feels uncomfortable or unable to function properly. It is often used to convey a sense of unease or awkwardness in a specific situation.

    People may use this idiom to describe how they feel in a new job, social setting, or unfamiliar environment. It can also be used to describe objects or animals that are not in their natural habitat and are struggling as a result.

    Overall, "like a fish out of water" is a vivid and relatable idiom that effectively conveys a sense of discomfort or unease.

    Origin of "like a fish out of water"

    The origin of the idiom "like a fish out of water" can be traced back to the natural behavior of fish. When fish are taken out of water, they struggle and gasp for air, clearly showing their discomfort and inability to function properly. This behavior led to the metaphorical use of the idiom to describe people or things in similar situations.

    The earliest known use of this idiom in English can be found in the 17th century, in a play by Thomas Otway. Since then, it has become a commonly used phrase in the English language to depict feelings of discomfort and unease. The vivid imagery of a fish struggling out of water has made this idiom a powerful and widely understood expression.