Stepping into a new job where everyone speaks in technical jargon can make you feel like a fish out of water. We’ve all had those moments — standing awkwardly in unfamiliar surroundings, unsure of what to do next. In this post, let’s explore the meaning, origin, and examples of this well-loved English idiom that perfectly describes those “I-don’t-belong-here” situations.
Meaning of “Fish Out of Water”
The idiom “fish out of water” describes someone who feels uncomfortable, awkward, or out of place in a particular situation.
It can mean:
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Being in an unfamiliar environment.
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Struggling to adjust to new surroundings or people.
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Feeling out of sync with a group or activity.
🟢 In short: To be a fish out of water means to feel like you don’t belong.
Origin of “Fish Out of Water”
The phrase dates back to the 15th century, with early written examples appearing in English literature. One of the earliest known uses comes from Samuel Purchas in his 1613 collection Purchas His Pilgrimage, where he compared a man away from home to “a fish out of water.”
The imagery is easy to understand — a fish thrives in water, but once it’s removed, it flounders helplessly. Over time, this vivid picture became a common metaphor for human discomfort in unfamiliar settings.
Some linguists suggest it may have been inspired by even earlier proverbs from European folklore, but the English idiom as we know it took hold firmly in the 17th century.
Examples in Sentences
Here are a few ways the idiom appears in everyday use:
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Formal: “As the only non-engineer in the meeting, I felt like a fish out of water.”
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Casual: “When I moved to the big city, I was a total fish out of water for the first few months.”
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Workplace: “New employees often feel like fish out of water during their first week.”
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Social: “He’s usually confident, but at that fancy dinner party, he looked like a fish out of water.”
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Academic: “I’m good at science, but in art class, I’m definitely a fish out of water.”
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Cultural: “Traveling abroad without knowing the language made me feel like a fish out of water.”
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Here are a few idioms that share a similar meaning:
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Out of one’s element – Feeling uncomfortable or unskilled in a certain situation.
Example: She’s out of her element when it comes to public speaking. -
Like a square peg in a round hole – Refers to someone who doesn’t fit in or belong in a particular place or role.
Example: He’s a creative thinker in a rigid corporate job — a square peg in a round hole. -
Out of place – Simply means not fitting in with your surroundings.
Example: I felt out of place at the fancy gala in my casual clothes. -
Thrown in at the deep end – Describes being put into a challenging situation without preparation.
Example: Starting a new job without training made me feel thrown in at the deep end.
PERSONAL INSIGHT
I remember my first teaching assignment outside my hometown. The students had different accents, the culture was new, and I didn’t know anyone. For the first few weeks, I truly felt like a fish out of water. But that experience taught me how to adapt, listen, and find my comfort zone — even in unfamiliar waters.
CONCLUSION
The idiom “fish out of water” perfectly captures that awkward feeling of being in a strange environment where nothing feels natural. It’s a vivid reminder that discomfort often comes before growth.
Do you use “fish out of water” in your everyday conversations? Share your examples or stories in the comments — I’d love to hear how you’ve used it!