fish out of water
noun phrase
: a person who is in an unnatural or uncomfortable sphere or situation
The small-town boy felt like a fish out of water in the big city.
Cite this Entry
“Fish out of water.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fish%20out%20of%20water. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share