Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who feels uncomfortable, out of place, or awkward in a particular situation or environment. It implies a sense of unfamiliarity or unease, as if the person doesn’t belong or fit in.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “Growing up in the city, Tom felt like a fish out of water when he visited his relatives in the countryside.”
- “At the formal dinner party, Sarah, who was used to casual gatherings, felt like a fish out of water.”
- “After moving to a new country, she initially felt like a fish out of water until she became more accustomed to the culture and customs.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “like a fish out of water” is literal, referring to the behavior of a fish when removed from its natural aquatic environment. When a fish is out of water, it flounders and struggles to breathe, exhibiting signs of distress and discomfort. Over time, this literal image evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe individuals who feel similarly uncomfortable or out of place in unfamiliar surroundings.
