Idioms

like a fish out of water

This page is about the idiom 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

a. he was tired of eating meat and chicken

b. he'd forgotten to take his swimming shorts

c. he was the only Mexican guy there
a) he was tired of eating meat and chicken b) he'd forgotten to take his swimming shorts c) he was the only Mexican guy there

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey