taken it under his wing

Definitions

• mentor or protect someone
  To take responsibility for guiding, teaching, or looking after someone, often in a caring or supportive way

• take someone or something under one's protection
  To provide care, support, or guidance to someone or something in need of assistance or protection

Examples of taken it under his wing

• Alexander had always struggled in school, but when he met Mr. Brown, everything changed. Mr. Brown took Alexander under his wing and became his mentor, helping him improve his grades and confidence.

  In this example, the idiom 'taken it under his wing' means that Mr. Brown took Alexander under his guidance and care, like a bird takes its young bird under its wing. Mr. Brown showed Alexander how to succeed academically and emotionally, and helped him develop his potential.

• After moving to a new city, Emily felt lost and alone. But then she met Sarah, an experienced artist, who took Emily under her wing and showed her the local art scene. Sarah introduced Emily to other artists, galleries, and exhibitions, helping her find her place in the community.

  Here, the idiom 'taken under her wing' means that Sarah provided Emily with guidance, knowledge, and opportunities, similar to the way a mother eagle protects and shows her chicks how to fly. Sarah helped Emily grow and succeed in the art world by introducing her to the local community and sharing her expertise.

• After years of working in the industry, Marcus had become a respected leader in his company. But he didn't forget where he came from, and he continued to take young and ambitious employees under his wing, mentoring them and helping them excel in their careers.

  This example shows how the idiom 'taken under his wing' can be used in professional contexts. By taking young employees under his wing, Marcus not only helped them develop their skills and knowledge but also nurtured a talented workforce for his company. In this way, Marcus fulfilled his role as a leader and contributed to the growth and success of his company.

• When Maya's father passed away, she felt lost and alone. But her neighbor, a kind and experienced woman, took Maya under her wing and supported her through her grief. The woman gave Maya a shoulder to cry on, listened to her stories, and showed her how to manage the practical aspects of arranging a funeral and dealing with legalities.

  Here, the idiom 'taken under her wing' is used to convey a sense of care, support, and guidance that is especially important during difficult times. By taking Maya under her wing, the neighbor provided Maya with the emotional support and practical help she needed during her time of grief, and helped her cope with the challenge of managing her father's estate.

• Molly, a high school sophomore, struggled to adjust to the fast-paced environment of her new school. She felt lost and alone in the sea of unfamiliar faces. One day, she met Mr. Johnson, the school's basketball coach. Impressed by Molly's talent on the court, Mr. Johnson took her under his wing. He spent extra time with her during practices and games, teaching her the techniques and strategies she needed to succeed. Thanks to his mentorship, Molly quickly became a standout player on the team, and she's now on track to earn a college scholarship.

  The idiom "taken it under his wing" refers to when someone takes a person under their guidance, protection, or tutelage. In this example, Mr. Johnson saw potential in Molly and took her under his wing by providing her with the skills and support she needed to succeed. This type of mentorship is often seen in sports or academic settings, where more experienced or successful individuals pass on their knowledge and wisdom to younger or less experienced ones. By taking Molly under his wing, Mr. Johnson not only helped her achieve her goals but also fulfilled his role as a coach and mentor.

• Jamie, a struggling artist, met a successful painter at a gallery opening. The painter, impressed by Jamie's talent, offered to "take him under his wing" and mentor him as he navigated the competitive world of the art scene.

  The phrase "take someone under your wing" is an idiom that means to guide, teach, or protect someone who is less experienced or knowledgeable in a particular field or situation. In this case, the painter is using his expertise and connections to help Jamie advance his career.

Conclusion

The idiom "taken it under his wing" is used to describe the act of mentoring, protecting, or taking responsibility for someone or something. It implies a caring and supportive role, and is often used to convey the idea of guidance or assistance.

This idiom can be used in various contexts, such as describing a mentor taking a new employee under their wing, or a parent providing support and protection to their child. It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as a country taking another nation under its wing by offering support and assistance.

Overall, "taken it under his wing" is a versatile idiom that conveys the idea of mentorship, protection, and support in a caring and nurturing manner.

Origin of "taken it under his wing"

The origin of the idiom "taken it under his wing" can be traced back to the behavior of birds, particularly hens and their chicks. When a mother hen "takes her chicks under her wing," she is providing them with protection, warmth, and guidance. This natural behavior has been used as a metaphor for human actions, leading to the development of the idiom.

The idiom has been in use for centuries and is found in various forms in literature and everyday speech. It has become a common way to express the idea of taking care of someone or something, drawing on the nurturing behavior of birds. The imagery of a protective wing has resonated with people across cultures, making this idiom a widely understood and frequently used expression. Examples of its usage can be found in classic literature, poetry, and everyday conversations.