Be Out Of Element - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking & Writing

Contents

Be Out Of Element – Idiom Of The Day For IELTS Speaking & Writing

Definition: to feel unhappy or strange because you are in a situation that you are not familiar with

Examples:

Elen found herself in a complete awkward situation when being dragged to her friend’s party. Since she wasn’t very socially dynamic and led a quiet life, Elen felt out of her element around other social butterflies.
We were out of our element at the grandeur and luxury level of the wedding ceremony since we had only been to events like this on rare occasions.

Socially dynamic: sociable

Social butterfly (n): a person who is socially dynamic, networking, charismatic, and personally gregarious

Grandeur (n): the quality of being great and impressive in appearance

On rare occasions: seldom, barely

Matching exercise

Out of element	To be crazy
Out of one’s hair	Not working or cannot be used, be injured
Out of the picture	To not be involved in a particular situation
Out of place	To no longer be pestering or annoying to one; to not be one’s responsibility or burden any longer
Out of depth	To feel unhappy or strange because you are in a situation that you are not familiar with
Out of action	Not right or suitable for the situation
Out of one’s mind	To not have the knowledge, experience, or skills to deal with a particular subject or situation

Practice: Fill in the blank

With Jason, the most formidable candidate, being …… due to ankle injuries, Hank has a high chance to win the marathon competition.
He was …… when his colleagues started to discuss politics, a topic he had no interest in due to its ambiguity and manipulation.
She felt …… in her formal business suit while others seem comfortable with their casual outfits.