fish out of water, a



fish out of water, a

A person away from his or her usual environment or activities. For example, Using a computer for the first time, Carl felt like a fish out of water, or On a hiking trail, Nell was a fish out of water. This expression alludes to the fact that fish cannot survive for long on dry land. [Late 1300s]
See also: fish, of, out

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Ceciliese-SEEL-ye (Norwegian, Danish)Norwegian, Danish, Czech
Vulfgang-Ancient Germanic
TrudyTROO-dee (English), TRUY-dee (Dutch)English, Dutch
Sidonia-Late Roman, German
Ethelred-English (Archaic)
Allegraə-LEG-rə (English), ahl-LE-grah (Italian)English (Rare), Italian (Rare)