finding one's feet

USAGE SUMMARY

"finding one's feet" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone becoming comfortable or confident in a new situation. Example: After a few weeks at the new job, she finally felt like she was finding her feet. Alternative expressions include "getting settled" and "gaining confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Freshers by Kevin Sampson Vintage £6.99, pp288 Reading like a 21st-century version of Philip Larkin's first novel Jill, Freshers is a would-be introspective narrative of finding one's feet at university.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Intense exposure was defined as having been in the dust cloud on 9/11 and reporting at least one of five experiences: being unable to see more than a few feet; having difficulty walking or finding one's way; trouble finding shelter; being covered with dust; or not being able to hear.

Injury Epidemiology

Barriers resulting from language and cultural differences definitely makes finding one's footing difficult.

Science Magazine

But finding one has not been easy.

The Economist

The only problem was finding one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Good luck finding one though.

TechCrunch

Already a private poet, she also began writing and translating short pieces commercially before finding her feet as one of Britain's foremost translators of Danish, something with which she obtained considerable practical assistance from her husband.

The Guardian - Books

Talent makes or breaks a company, particularly a new one that's just finding its feet.

TechCrunch

Even the most obnoxious ones are finding their feet.

The Guardian

"But now it's finding its feet again.

Vice

The newer consoles, Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4, are finding their feet with some neat exclusives around the time of their first anniversaries.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finding one's feet" when you want to convey the idea of someone adapting to a new environment or situation and becoming comfortable and proficient in it.

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations of "finding one's feet". It's not about physically locating feet but rather about adapting and gaining confidence.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "finding one's feet" functions as a verb phrase expressing the process of adaptation and gaining confidence in a new situation. Ludwig examples show its application in various contexts, aligning with the definition of gradually becoming comfortable and competent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "finding one's feet" is a correct and understandable idiom that describes becoming comfortable and proficient in a new situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples primarily from News & Media and Scientific contexts. The phrase carries a neutral tone, suitable for diverse communication scenarios. Consider alternatives like "settling in" or "getting accustomed" to add variety to your writing, and remember that the phrase is about adaptation, not literal feet.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding your way

Focuses on navigating and understanding a new environment or situation.

settling in

Emphasizes the aspect of becoming comfortable and established.

getting the hang of it

Implies learning how to do something successfully.

getting accustomed

Focuses on the process of becoming familiar with something.

becoming established

Highlights the achievement of a stable position.

finding your rhythm

Suggests discovering a comfortable and effective pace.

learning the ropes

Suggests acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills.

getting a foothold

Emphasizes gaining an initial advantage or secure position.

getting the lay of the land

Focuses on understanding the overall structure or situation.

gaining confidence

Highlights the increase in self-assurance and competence.

FAQs

What does it mean to "find one's feet"?

To "find one's feet" means to become comfortable and confident in a new situation or environment. It implies a period of adjustment and adaptation.

How can I use "finding one's feet" in a sentence?

You might say, "After starting his new job, it took him a few weeks to "find his feet" and become fully productive".

What's a similar expression to "finding one's feet"?

Similar expressions include "settling in", "getting accustomed", or "finding your way".

Is "finding your feet" formal or informal?

The phrase "finding your feet" is generally considered informal but is acceptable in most contexts, including professional settings.