Idiom of the Day

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

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IOTD - be out of element

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

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

 

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