under their wing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under their wing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone being taken care of or protected by someone more experienced or knowledgeable. Example: "The mentor took the new employee under her wing, guiding her through the complexities of the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How splendid to be under their wing!

The New York Times

They'll take me under their wing".

The New York Times

They took him under their wing".

The New York Times - Sports

U2 had taken Oasis under their wing.

The Guardian - Arts

I felt very confident under their wing.

The Guardian - Sport

Many of them took me under their wing.

The Guardian

Sim and his wife, Naomi, took Cole under their wing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was, like, somebody would introduce me and they'd take me under their wing.

The New Yorker

The director, Leslie Shakespere, and his wife, Eliza, take her under their wing.

The New Yorker

It's the people who don't have six collections under their wing.

The New York Times

They took me under their wing and paid for a lot of my qualifications.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under their wing" when you want to convey a sense of mentorship, protection, or guidance from someone more experienced.

Common error

Avoid using "under their wing" when the protection is solely financial or resource-based, as it primarily implies mentorship and guidance, not just material support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under their wing" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb. It describes the manner in which someone is being mentored, protected, or guided. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "under their wing" is a common and correct way to describe someone being mentored, guided, or protected by a more experienced individual. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across varied sources, particularly in news and media. Alternatives like "under their guidance" or "in their care" can be used depending on the context. Ensure that its usage reflects genuine mentorship or protection, not just material support, to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under their protection

Focuses on the act of safeguarding and defending someone.

under their guidance

Emphasizes the act of providing direction and advice.

in their care

Highlights the responsibility of looking after someone's well-being.

mentored by them

Specifically refers to a formal or informal mentoring relationship.

taken in by them

Suggests a welcoming and supportive gesture.

sponsored by them

Focuses on the act of financially supporting or promoting someone.

chaperoned by them

Suggests guidance and protection, usually in a social setting.

tutored by them

Implies a more formal teaching arrangement.

in their charge

Highlights the responsibility someone holds for another person's actions or safety.

safeguarded by them

Emphasizes protecting from harm or danger.

FAQs

What does the idiom "under their wing" mean?

The idiom "under their wing" means to be taken care of, guided, or protected by someone more experienced or influential.

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

You can use "under their wing" to describe someone receiving mentorship, like: "The senior engineer took the new graduate "under their wing", providing guidance on complex projects".

What are some alternatives to saying "under their wing"?

Some alternatives include "under their guidance", "in their care", or "under their protection", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "under their wing" can be used in both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "under their guidance" might be preferred in certain academic or professional contexts.