Fish out of water
📖 Meanings
- 1.
A person who is uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment.
- 2.
Someone who is in a situation they are unsuited to.
- 3.
To be in a situation that you know nothing about.
- 4.
Feeling uncomfortable because you are somewhere new or unfamiliar.
💬 Examples
- 1.
He's a fish out of water ever since he lost his job.
- 2.
She felt like a fish out of water in her new school.
- 3.
In an office full of techies, I'm a fish out of water.
- 4.
I was a fish out of water at the party, knowing nobody.
🗞️ Etymology
- 1.
First recorded in English in the early 16th century.
- 2.
The phrase is used in many languages, suggesting a common human experience.
- 3.
The phrase is often used in the context of social and cultural unfamiliarity.
- 4.
The phrase has been used in literature and film titles, indicating its widespread recognition and usage.
🔁 Synonyms
- 1.
Out of one's depth
- 2.
Stranger in a strange land
- 3.
Out of one's element
- 4.
Square peg in a round hole
- 5.
Alien
🌀 Variants
- 1.
Like a fish out of water
- 2.
Feel like a fish out of water
- 3.
Being a fish out of water
- 4.
To be a fish out of water
- 5.
As a fish out of water