fish out of water
1
a person in an unfamiliar situation or environment in which they feel uncomfortable
The idiom "fish out of water" originates from the observation of a fish being removed from its natural habitat, water, and placed in an unfamiliar environment. This expression is used metaphorically to describe someone who feels uncomfortable, out of place, or awkward in a particular situation or environment that is unfamiliar or incompatible with their usual experiences or characteristics.
- As a city dweller, John felt like a fish out of water when he visited his relatives' rural farm.
- Sarah, an introverted bookworm, felt like a fish out of water at the loud and crowded nightclub.
- The professor, used to lecturing to university students, felt like a fish out of water when asked to give a presentation to a group of preschoolers.
- Being the only vegetarian at the barbecue, Lisa felt like a fish out of water surrounded by meat-eaters.
- Andrew, who had never played sports before, felt like a fish out of water when he joined the soccer team.