PhrasesHub

take it under his wing

    Definitions

      • mentor or protect someone
        To take someone under one's wing means to mentor, guide, or protect them, especially in a new or challenging situation.

      • take responsibility for someone
        To take someone under your wing is to assume responsibility for their well-being or development, often in a supportive or nurturing way.

    Examples of take it under his wing

    • The young writer, Sarah, struggled to get her work noticed in the highly competitive publishing industry. One day, she met a successful author, James, at a literary festival. James agreed to read some of Sarah's work and was impressed by her talent. James took Sarah under his wing and helped her refine her writing, introduce her to literary agents, and gave her valuable industry insights. Sarah's career took off, thanks to James' support.

      To take someone under your wing is to mentor, guide, and support them, especially when they are new or inexperienced in their field. In this example, James took Sarah under his wing by offering to help her, sharing his expertise, and promoting her work.

    • The principal, Mr. Smith, noticed a new student, Ahmed, struggling to adapt to high school life. Ahmed missed his old school and found it challenging to make friends. Mr. Smith took Ahmed under his wing and invited him to join the school's debate club, where Ahmed found a group of like-minded students. Mr. Smith also introduced Ahmed to some of his former students who became Ahmed's friends. Ahmed started enjoying school, thanks to Mr. Smith's support.

      In this context, taking someone under your wing can also mean offering them opportunities, introducing them to new experiences, and helping them build a support network.

    • The CEO, Samantha, recognized the untapped potential of her new employee, Jack. Jack had a natural talent for sales but lacked confidence and experience. Samantha took Jack under her wing and assigned him to a senior sales executive, who trained Jack and showed him the ropes. Jack soon became a top performer in the company, thanks to Samantha's guidance.

      Here, taking someone under your wing can mean offering them practical training, coaching, and mentoring to help them develop their skills and advance in their career.

    • The football coach, Mark, noticed a young player, Ryan, struggling to make the team. Ryan had a lot of potential but was holding himself back with self-doubt and lack of confidence. Mark took Ryan under his wing and worked with him one-on-one, helping him improve his technique and boost his confidence. Ryan soon became a key player in the team, thanks to Mark's support.

      In this context, taking someone under your wing can also mean helping them overcome their weaknesses, build their strengths, and develop their potential.

    • The young entrepreneur approached the successful businessman for guidance and mentorship. The experienced professional took him under his wing and helped him navigate through the challenges of the industry.

      In this example, taking someone under your wing means offering them guidance, support, and mentorship, especially in a particular field or industry. The metaphorical meaning of this idiom is that the senior person is providing a safe and protective space for the junior person to grow and learn.

    • The new student struggled to fit in with her classmates, but the kind teacher noticed her potential and decided to take her under her wing. The student was grateful for the teacher's guidance and quickly became an active participant in the class.

      In this example, taking someone under your wing means offering them care, support, and encouragement, especially when they are facing difficulties. The metaphorical meaning of this idiom is that the senior person is providing a nurturing and protective environment for the junior person to grow and learn.

    • The CEO of the company recognized the exceptional talent of the new employee and decided to take him under his wing. The employee was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from the CEO and felt confident about his future in the company.

      In this example, taking someone under your wing means offering them advanced training, coaching, and mentorship, especially in a particular role or position. The metaphorical meaning of this idiom is that the senior person is providing a productive and enriching environment for the junior person to grow and learn.

    • The manager noticed the potential of the shy employee and decided to take him under her wing. The employee was hesitant at first, but the manager's encouragement and support helped him gain confidence and become a valuable asset to the team.

      In this example, taking someone under your wing means offering them guidance, advice, and encouragement, especially when they lack self-confidence. The metaphorical meaning of this idiom is that the senior person is providing a supportive and empowering environment for the junior person to grow and learn.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "take it under his wing" is commonly used to describe the act of mentoring, protecting, or assuming responsibility for someone. It signifies a sense of care and guidance towards an individual, especially in times of need or growth. By taking someone under one's wing, one is offering support, advice, and protection, ultimately helping them navigate through challenges and succeed in their endeavors.

    In everyday conversations, this idiom is often used to express the idea of looking out for someone or offering assistance in a nurturing manner. It can also imply a sense of leadership and guidance, where the person taking someone under their wing plays a role in shaping the other person's journey or growth. Overall, "take it under his wing" conveys a sense of care, support, and mentorship in various contexts.

    Origin of "take it under his wing"

    The origin of the idiom "take it under his wing" can be traced back to the imagery of a bird protecting its young by sheltering them under its wings. This visual metaphor symbolizes the act of providing care, support, and protection to someone in need, much like a parent bird would do for its offspring. The idiom has been used in literature, folklore, and everyday language to depict the concept of taking someone under one's care or guidance.

    The idiom's origins can be linked to the natural instinct of animals, particularly birds, to protect and nurture their young. This innate behavior has been translated into human language and culture, highlighting the importance of mentorship, support, and guidance in personal and professional relationships. The idiom "take it under his wing" continues to be a powerful symbol of care and responsibility, emphasizing the significance of looking out for others and helping them succeed.