Fish-out-of-water

A 'fish-out-of-water' describes a person feeling awkward, uncomfortable, or out of place in an unfamiliar environment or situation. This sensation often stems from a lack of understanding, experience, or shared cultural norms within the new context. The individual may struggle to adapt, communicate effectively, or fit in, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or ineptitude. The phrase highlights a stark contrast between a person's usual surroundings and their current circumstance, emphasizing their displacement and unease. It suggests a sense of being adrift or ill-equipped to navigate the unexpected challenges of their new situation.

Fish-out-of-water meaning with examples

• During his first week at the prestigious boarding school, John, a scholarship student from a working-class family, felt like a fish-out-of-water. He struggled to understand the complex social hierarchies and the unspoken rules of the wealthy students. He felt isolated as the only person from a different background in the class and found their conversations about wealth and privilege difficult to relate to.
• Having only lived in a small town, Sarah felt like a fish-out-of-water when she moved to New York City. The constant noise, crowded streets, and fast-paced lifestyle overwhelmed her. She missed the familiar quiet of her hometown and struggled to navigate the complex subway system, and longed to talk to someone who understood her.
• After being promoted to a management position, Mark experienced the fish-out-of-water syndrome. He was used to his day to day job and found the administrative work to be foreign. He felt unsure of himself and struggled to lead his former colleagues. The new responsibilities and the social dynamics of the executive meetings made him very unsure.
• The exchange student, unfamiliar with American customs, felt like a fish-out-of-water at the university's homecoming dance. The loud music, fast dancing, and rowdy behavior were very different from what he was used to. He didn't know how to participate and felt increasingly uncomfortable. His limited English language abilities compounded his sense of alienation, as well.
• The seasoned detective, accustomed to the gritty streets, was a fish-out-of-water when assigned to work undercover at a yoga retreat. The peaceful atmosphere and health-conscious participants clashed with his hard-boiled personality. He felt out of place and struggled to maintain his cover, as he missed the fast paced environment he was accustomed to.