like-a-fish-out-of-water
/laɪk ə fɪʃ aʊt əv ˈwɔː.tə/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
Feeling awkward, uncomfortable, or out of place in a situation. It is often used when someone does not fit in or does not know what to do.
- At the party, I felt like a fish out of water.
- He was like a fish out of water in the new office.
- She felt like a fish out of water on the dance floor.
Adinary Nuance
Use like a fish out of water when someone feels awkward because the setting is unfamiliar. It is stronger than uncomfortable and more specific than nervous. It suggests not just worry, but a clear mismatch with the situation.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- như cá mắc cạn
- Spanish
- como pez fuera del agua
- Chinese
- 如鱼离水
- Japanese
- 場違いな
- Korean
- 물 밖의 물고기처럼
Etymology
This idiom comes from the image of a fish taken out of water, where it cannot move normally. It has been used in English since the 1800s.
Common phrases
feel like a fish out of waterlook like a fish out of waterbe like a fish out of water
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is like a fish out of water formal or informal?
- It is neutral and common in both speech and writing.
- What is the difference between like a fish out of water and awkward?
- Awkward is general. Like a fish out of water shows awkwardness in a new or unsuitable place.
- Can I use this idiom in IELTS writing?
- Yes, if it fits the topic and sounds natural.
- Does it always mean a person feels bad?
- Usually, yes. It can also mean they simply do not fit the situation.