under my wing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under my wing" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an idiom which generally means to provide protection or guidance for someone. For example: "I will be sure to keep you under my wing until you find a job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I'm gonna take him under my wing.

The New Yorker

I took that deer under my wing, like a son.

The New Yorker

"I like to take everybody under my wing".

The New York Times

"I pretty much took him under my wing," Marbury said.

The New York Times - Sports

I took him under my wing and he fought on five of my undercards.

The Guardian - Sport

Then I took her under my wing, I stood by her side.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Most recently, Cynthia McKinney, the former Democratic congresswoman from Georgia, said she "had taken him under my wings," in an attempt "to help and look out for him".

The New York Times

"Who else would have thought of that?," Ms. Jamison wrote of Mr. Szilard in a foreword to his 2002 memoir, "Under My Wings," written with Howard Kaplan.

The New York Times - Arts

In his memoir, "Under My Wings," Paul Szilard, the Hungarian-born impresario and manager of their Latin American tours, said there was an extra dramatic touch to Ms. Kovach and Mr. Rabovsky's flight.

The New York Times

"I expect to feel a bit of apprehension to look down and see the Channel under my wings, but that is also part of the charm," said Edmond Salis, who has made a half-dozen short flights in his 1919 Blériot XI replica.

The New York Times

"I expect to feel a bit of apprehension to look down and see the Channel under my wings, but that is also part of the charm," said Edmond Salis, 40, grandson of Jean-Baptiste Salis, a French World War I fighter ace, who has made just a half-dozen short flights in his 1919 Bl?ot XI replica.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under my wing" to express a commitment to guide and support someone, especially when they are new or inexperienced. It conveys a sense of personal investment in their growth.

Common error

Avoid using "under my wing" in contexts where simple assistance is provided. It's best suited for situations involving long-term guidance or mentorship, not just one-off help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under my wing" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating protection, guidance, and mentorship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and commonly used phrase. The examples demonstrate its usage in various contexts, emphasizing support and care.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under my wing" is a common idiom used to describe the act of guiding, protecting, and mentoring someone. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans various contexts, including news media, lifestyle content, and even wiki articles, reflecting its broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and register, opting for more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. Remember that the essence of "under my wing" is providing dedicated support and fostering growth, going beyond mere assistance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in my care

Focuses on responsibility and safekeeping, emphasizing the act of looking after someone.

under my protection

Emphasizes the act of shielding someone from harm or danger.

being mentored by me

Specifically highlights the role of providing guidance and expertise.

being guided by me

Focuses on the provision of direction and advice.

in my charge

Implies a formal responsibility and oversight.

being fostered by me

Indicates nurturing and development, often in a supportive environment.

being supported by me

Highlights the provision of assistance and encouragement.

with my patronage

Implies financial or influential backing.

being supervised by me

Implies monitoring of someone's actions or work.

receiving my tutelage

Focuses on the educational aspect of being under someone's guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "under my wing" to indicate that you are going to guide and protect someone. For example, "I'm going to take the new intern "under my wing" and show them the ropes."

What can I say instead of "under my wing"?

You can use alternatives like "in my care", "being mentored by me", or "under my protection" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "under my wing" in formal writing?

While "under my wing" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "under my supervision" or "in my charge" might be more suitable for formal or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "under my wing" and "under my control"?

"Under my wing" suggests guidance and protection, implying a supportive role. "Under my control", on the other hand, suggests direct authority and power, which may have a negative connotation.