← Back to collection
Region: General | Usage example: He was a fish out of water at the fashion show.

Fish out of water

Meaning

Feel uncomfortable in an unfamiliar situation.

Usage

Describes awkwardness outside one’s comfort zone.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Literal impression of a fish struggling outside water.

Younger idiom but well-documented by the early 20th century.

Related Idioms

Like a fish out of water

Uncomfortable in an unfamiliar setting.

A pretty kettle of fish

An awkward or messy situation.

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.