water Archives - Idioms point

Meaning: To try something out cautiously or start an activity on a small scale to test the waters before fully committing.

Usage in Example Sentences:

“I’m not sure if I’ll enjoy yoga, but I’ll dip my toe in the water by taking a beginner’s class.”
“Before launching the product nationwide, the company dipped its toe in the water with a regional release.”
“He wasn’t sure about investing in stocks, so he dipped his toe in the water by buying a few shares.”

Origin:
The phrase likely originates from the literal action of testing the temperature of water with a toe before diving in. It evolved into a metaphor for cautious or tentative experimentation in new ventures.

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.

Idioms point

Tag Archives: water

Dip one’s toe in the water

Like a fish out of water