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Reference : Idioms : L : like a fish out of water

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like a fish out of water

Meaning: You feel like a fish out of water if you're surrounded by people who are different to you, and it's making you feel a little uncomfortable.

For example:

  • I was the only black person in a church full of white people, and I felt like a fish out of water at first. But lots of people came up and talked to me after the service, and I soon felt quite at home.

  • Sayoko travels to a lot of unusual places. She says feeling like a fish out of water is sometimes interesting.

Quick Quiz:

Pablo went to the party, but he felt like a fish out of water because
  1. he was tired of eating meat and chicken
  2. he'd forgotten to take his swimming shorts
  3. he was the only Mexican guy there