Get one’s feet wet

Meaning

The idiom "get one's feet wet" means to start experiencing or getting involved in something new for the first time. It refers to taking the initial steps into a situation, activity, or relationship, without fully committing to it yet. The phrase is often used to describe a gradual process of familiarizing oneself with a new experience.

Usage

Here are five examples of how the idiom "get one's feet wet" can be used in different contexts:

• John decided to try out a new hobby by going to a local rock climbing gym and getting his feet wet before committing to taking classes.
• Sarah wanted to explore the city on foot, so she started by exploring her neighborhood and getting her feet wet before planning more extensive trips.
• The company had just entered the new market, and they decided to start small by offering a limited range of products and getting their feet wet before expanding into other areas.
• After hearing good reviews about online dating apps, Emily decided to give it a try and get her feet wet with a free trial membership.
• Tom had always been interested in photography but never took any classes or bought any equipment. He finally decided to get his feet wet by borrowing a friend's camera and taking some pictures on a walk. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context, but it generally implies taking small steps into something new while still keeping an open mind and not fully committing yet.

Roots and History

The phrase "get one's feet wet" has been used since at least the mid-19th century. The earliest known use of the idiom was recorded in 1847 by author Charles Dickens, who wrote, "I am going to get my foot wet in the water," which means to start testing or trying something out. Over time, the phrase has taken on its current meaning and is now commonly used in modern language.

Synonyms in English

• Try something out
• Experience something new
• Dip one's toes into something
• Take a cautious approach
• Start small

Synonyms in other languages

• "Probar algo" - Spanish (to try something)
• "Experimenter quelque chose" - French (to experience something new)
• "Dippe toes i nåt" - Swedish (to dip one's toes into something)
• "Vagare iniziare con una cautela" - Italian (to take a cautious approach)
• "Kaizen naru koto" - Japanese (to start small in making improvements).

Similar Idioms

• rainbow baby

• get a life

• dead in the water