out of one's element

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

out of one's element (comparative more out of one's element, superlative most out of one's element)

1. (idiomatic) In a situation which is unsuitable, unfamiliar, or unenjoyable.
   • 2004, Brian Kellow, The Bennetts: An Acting Family‎, The University Press of Kentucky, →ISBN:

     Mrs. Hobson was particularly out of her element in New York, which she regarded as the most sinful of cities, and seldom ventured out of the apartment for any length of time.

   • 2007, Laurence Bergreen, Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu, Alfred A. Knopf, →ISBN, page 183:

     In this varied, often mountainous terrain, the Mongols were out of their element, and they relied on local mercenaries for support.

   • 2009, Mary Beltrán, Latina/o Stars in U.S. Eyes: The Making and Meanings of Film and TV Stardom, University of Illinois Press, →ISBN, page 164:

     Unfortunately, Alba appears out of her element in both roles, particularly with respect to her attempt to proximate believable accents for her characters.

• out of one's depth

• at home, in one's element