Out of your element
phrase
Feeling uncomfortable because you are in an unfamiliar situation.
He was out of his element when he started the new job
Often appears as...
- feel out of your element
- be out of your element
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
Doing something that is not within your skill set or expertise.
When it comes to fixing cars, I'm completely out of my element
Often appears as...
- totally out of your element
- completely out of your element
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
Feeling uncomfortable because you are in an unfamiliar situation.
He was out of his element when he started the new job
Often appears as...
- feel out of your element
- be out of your element
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
Doing something that is not within your skill set or expertise.
When it comes to fixing cars, I'm completely out of my element
Often appears as...
- totally out of your element
- completely out of your element
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Discomfort
The phrase often implies feeling anxious or embarrassed in a situation that's not familiar.
At the fancy gala, he felt out of his element and very self-conscious.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Feeling
It suggests the discomfort is not permanent, but linked to a specific situation or environment.
During her first week abroad, she was out of her element, but soon acclimated.
Pro Tip 3/3Change and Growth
Being out of your element can be an opportunity for personal growth and learning.
He was out of his element in the new country, yet it taught him so much.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Discomfort
The phrase often implies feeling anxious or embarrassed in a situation that's not familiar.
At the fancy gala, he felt out of his element and very self-conscious.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Feeling
It suggests the discomfort is not permanent, but linked to a specific situation or environment.
During her first week abroad, she was out of her element, but soon acclimated.
Pro Tip 3/3Change and Growth
Being out of your element can be an opportunity for personal growth and learning.
He was out of his element in the new country, yet it taught him so much.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Discomfort
The phrase often implies feeling anxious or embarrassed in a situation that's not familiar.
At the fancy gala, he felt out of his element and very self-conscious.
Pro Tip 2/3Temporary Feeling
It suggests the discomfort is not permanent, but linked to a specific situation or environment.
During her first week abroad, she was out of her element, but soon acclimated.
Pro Tip 3/3Change and Growth
Being out of your element can be an opportunity for personal growth and learning.
He was out of his element in the new country, yet it taught him so much.
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