Sit at somebody’s feet
verb
To learn from someone by observing them closely.
As a young artist, she sat at the feet of the great masters to perfect her painting skills.
Often appears as...
- sit at the feet of wisdom
- sit at the feet of experience
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
verb
To admire or respect someone greatly.
Many young musicians sit at the feet of the legendary composer.
Often appears as...
- sit at the feet in admiration
- sit at the feet in awe
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To learn from someone by observing them closely.
As a young artist, she sat at the feet of the great masters to perfect her painting skills.
Often appears as...
- sit at the feet of wisdom
- sit at the feet of experience
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
verb
To admire or respect someone greatly.
Many young musicians sit at the feet of the legendary composer.
Often appears as...
- sit at the feet in admiration
- sit at the feet in awe
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Observational Learning
Use this phrase to express learning through close observation, not formal education.
I sat at the feet of the head chef to understand the nuances of French cuisine.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Presence
It's a metaphor; you're not literally sitting down. It shows deep attention to a mentor's ways.
He sat at the feet of the master carpenter, absorbing every detail of the craft.
Pro Tip 3/3Respectful Pupil
Highlights a respectful student-teacher relationship.
As an apprentice, I sat at the feet of a renowned novelist.
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