Modul 5: Idiom 30: Finding Your Feet

Finding Your Feet

Hi. Let’s take a look at the Idiom, ‘finding your feet.’ What does this mean? When someone is  ‘finding their feet’, it means they are becoming familiar with a new situation. Familiar: you know they feel like they know the situation well, and that is no longer strange to them. It’s familiar.

So what is the origin of this idiom?

Nobody knows exactly where this idiom came from or for how long it’s been used but it is thought to have got its origin from baby animals like lambs and calves. Have you ever seen a newborn animal trying to stand for the first time? At first, they are unstable and often fall down but before long, they have strong enough limbs (legs) to stand and walk alongside their mothers. The process of them learning to stand and walk means having to find their balance on their feet.

Take a look at our illustration.

The calf is finding its feet and trying to balance as it stands. Can you see? It looks stable from the way its legs are stretched out. Can you see the determination in its face? The fact that its tongue is hanging out could be a habit of concentration. Do you ever subconsciously poke your tongue out when you trying to concentrate on something? I often do it; and I like to paint, so I  do it when I’m painting.

Here are some examples before we go to the concept questions…

“He’s only just started his new job so he’ll need some time to find his feet.”

“Sorry I’m handing this essay in late, I’m still finding my feet in this course.”

“I think I’m starting to find my feet in this new environment.”

“You’ll find your feet here quicker if you ask for help.”

“The little boy struggled to find his feet at his new school because of all the bullies.”

Great.

Let’s look at some situations and check your understanding:

1. I moved to Italy to start a new job and everything was new to me. I had never been to Italy before, the job was completely new to me, I didn’t know anyone and I couldn’t speak the language. Do you think I immediately felt comfortable or do you think that I had to find my feet first? I had to find my feet first. I had to learn the language, make new friends, explore the city and find out how to do my new job!
2. If I said that my friend was finding his feet at his dance classes, do you think it would mean that he’s really good at dancing? No. It means that he’s still trying to figure out how to dance.
3. When I was at work the other day, my colleague invited me to his and his wife’s 40th wedding anniversary. He then went on to tell me where they would be throwing the party, what the dress code was and all the food that they would have there. I asked how it felt to be married for 40 years. Do you think that he told me that he was still finding his feet in his marriage?

No. He’s been married for a long time, so has lots of experience.

4. Imagine you are a world-famous painter and you teach an art class for beginners. You approach a young girl sitting at the back and you say to her “What is your favourite style of art to paint?” and she says, “I’m still finding my feet”. Is that student a confident painter? No. She’s still trying to find her own style.

5. When I learnt to drive, my driving instructor was impressed with how quickly I found my feet. After two lessons he said to me, shall we book your driving test now? Was this a good idea?

No. Even though he complimented how quickly I found my feet with driving, I still needed to have more than two lessons before I was ready to take my drivers test.

Great. Now go and practise. See you soon.