A fish out of water

Meaning

The idiom "a fish out of water" means someone or something that doesn't fit in with their surroundings or environment. This person or thing is not at ease or comfortable in their current situation and may feel out of place or disoriented. The idiom can also refer to a situation that is unfamiliar or hostile to someone, making them uncomfortable or anxious.

Usage

• She felt like a fish out of water at her cousin's wedding, where everyone spoke French and danced salsa.
• He didn't fit in with his colleagues at the corporate office, preferring a more laid-back environment.
• The city was a fish out of water for the rural farmer who had never seen so many buildings or cars before.
• She felt like a fish out of water at her friend's party, where everyone drank alcohol and smoked weed.
• The company's new CEO felt like a fish out of water in the startup environment, with his focus on profit over innovation.

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the phrase "a fish out of water" dates back to the 14th century, but its exact origins are unclear. The idiom may have evolved from the literal meaning of the phrase, which refers to a fish that can't swim in freshwater or saltwater. Over time, the idiom has been used metaphorically to describe someone or something that doesn't fit in with their surroundings or environment.

Synonyms in English

• Out of place
• Uncomfortable
• Disoriented
• Homesick
• Misplaced

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - fuera de lugar (literally, "out of place")
• French - hors de sa peau (literally, "out of his skin")
• Italian - fuori dalle abiti (literally, "out of his habits")
• German - fremd (literally, "foreign")
• Dutch - vreemd (literally, "strange")

Similar Idioms

• at the drop of a dime

• a dime a dozen

• at bay