in one's element



in one's element

In an environment naturally suited to or associated with one; doing what one enjoys. For example, He's in his element when he's doing woodworking. This term alludes to one's natural abode, as does the antonym, out of one's element (used by Daniel Defoe in Robinson Crusoe, 1719: "When they came to make boards ... they were quite out of their element"). [Late 1500s] Also see in one's glory.
See also: element

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Araceliah-rah-THE-lee (Spanish), ah-rah-SE-lee (Latin American Spanish)Spanish
HipÓLitoee-PO-lee-to (Spanish)Spanish, Portuguese
Irenaeus-Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Oved-Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Fionnghall-Scottish
RÓIsÍNROSH-eenIrish