find your feet (expression)
2016.08.10
Meaning:
When we learn how to do something new, we must make mistakes. It is part of learning. Think of a baby learning how to walk. First the baby must find his feet.
So the sentence ‘He’s finding his feet’ means ‘He’s learning a new skill’. This expression is basically positive. It includes the nuance ‘He is making mistakes but that is ok because he is learning!’ We usually use the expression ‘to find your feet’ to describe the situation of starting a new job (*not* a new course of study or a new relationship etc).
Example:
A: How’s the new intern?
B: She’s good. I mean, she’s still finding her feet, but that’s ok. I’m checking all her work. And she’s trying very hard.
Talking Point(s):
Have you ever started a new job? How did you feel? Did it take you a long time to find your feet?
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