under his wing

USAGE SUMMARY

'under his wing' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone is looking after or protecting another person. Example: The young boy felt safe and secure under his wing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He has taken Kenya under his wing.

The Economist

He took me under his wing.

The New York Times

Hardeen took Mr. Radner under his wing.

The New York Times

Basically, he took me under his wing.

The Guardian - Film

He took me under his wing and explained.

The New York Times

"He took me under his wing," Woodson said of Clark.

The New York Times - Sports

The director Lindsay Anderson "took me under his wing.

The Guardian - Books

He took me under his wing after that.

The New York Times - Sports

He took me under his wing and looked after me".

The Guardian - Music

With lesser players, he took them under his wing.

The New York Times

And he also had one of his entourage, Tim, under his wing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under his wing" to describe a situation where an experienced or influential person is guiding, protecting, and mentoring someone who is less experienced or in a vulnerable position. It adds a layer of depth and warmth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "under his wing" when merely referring to someone being in the same department or team. The phrase implies active mentorship, guidance, and protection, not just co-location or shared responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under his wing" functions as an idiomatic prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb to describe the manner in which someone is being guided or protected. This meaning is well supported by Ludwig and its many real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "under his wing" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a situation where one person is guiding, mentoring, or protecting another. Analysis of the provided examples by Ludwig demonstrates this phrase's prevalence in news and media, and more informal contexts. While its use is generally accepted, understanding its nuances and potential alternatives will further enhance your writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this idiom is readily usable and accurately conveys the meaning of guidance and protection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking him under their protection

Emphasizes safeguarding from harm or negative influences; more direct and protective.

becoming his guardian

Indicates formal responsibility for someone's welfare, often legally.

mentoring him closely

Focuses on guidance and instruction more than protection; narrower scope.

looking out for him

Suggests a general concern for someone's well-being and safety.

guiding and supporting him

Highlights assistance and encouragement without necessarily implying direct supervision.

shepherding him along

Implies careful direction and oversight, like a shepherd with a flock.

acting as his mentor

Formally describes a relationship where knowledge and experience are shared.

fostering his development

Centers on promoting growth and improvement; less about immediate protection.

providing him with guidance

Focuses specifically on advice and direction, rather than overall care.

nursing him

Suggests tending and caring for someone in a vulnerable state.

FAQs

How can I use "under his wing" in a sentence?

You can use "under his wing" to describe a situation where someone is being mentored or protected by an experienced person. For example, "The seasoned executive took the new employee "under his wing", guiding him through the complexities of the industry."

What does it mean when someone takes you "under their wing"?

It means they are offering you guidance, protection, and mentorship. They are investing their time and resources to help you grow and succeed. It suggests a nurturing and supportive relationship.

What are some alternative ways to say "under his wing"?

Alternatives include "mentoring him closely", "taking him under their protection", or "guiding and supporting him". Each of these phrases carries a slightly different nuance.

Is "under his wing" appropriate for formal writing?

While "under his wing" is widely understood and accepted, it leans towards informal. In highly formal or academic writing, consider alternatives like "under his tutelage" or phrases that directly express mentorship or guidance.