Someone who is in a situation they are unsuited to.
A fish out of water
What's the meaning of the phrase 'A fish out of water'?
What's the origin of the phrase 'A fish out of water'?
This metaphor is quite old. Chaucer used a version of it in The Canterbury Tales: Prologue:
…a monk, when he is cloisterless;
Is like to a fish that is waterless
The earliest reference that I can find to the present day wording of the phrase is in Samuel Purchas’s Pilgrimage, 1613:
“The Arabians out of the desarts are as Fishes out of the Water.”
The history of “A fish out of water” in printed materials
Trend of a fish out of water in printed material over time
Related phrases and meanings
Browse more Phrases
About the Author
Phrases & Meanings
A-Z
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ
Categories
American Animals Australian Bible Body Colour Conflict Death Devil Dogs Emotions Euphemism Family Fashion Food French Horses ‘Jack’ Luck Money Military Music Names Nature Nautical Numbers Politics Religion Shakespeare Stupidity Entertainment Weather Women Work
How did we do?
Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.