find (your) feet
Meaning(s)
1. establish yourself in or become used to a new situation
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
find your feet in a new job/country
Analysis
This idiom is used to express reaching a level of comfort and capability in something new, especially something that is difficult at first. It is common in both a social and professional context as if you have adapted to and learned to deal with a new situation or job, then you have 'found your feet.' The expression is modified from the idea of a child first learning to balance on its feet, allowing it to support itself and move around. Phrases with a similar meaning include 'settle in,' and 'get into your stride.'
Social Examples (Basic)
- When Kevin first moved to Canada, he stayed with his auntie until he found his feet. Now he has a job and his own apartment.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- For the first few weeks in my new job I had trouble finding my feet, but since then things have been going really well for me.
- I know that you're still trying to find your feet here, but I'd like you to head up a three person team to go over last year's accounts.