Sea legs: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Sea legs” mean?

"Sea legs" means the ability to keep your balance and adjust to the movement of a ship at sea.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After a few days at sea, I finally got my sea legs and could walk without stumbling.

Example

It took me a while to get my sea legs on the cruise ship, but eventually, I felt steady on my feet.

Example

The experienced sailor had strong sea legs and could navigate the ship even in rough waters

Is “Sea legs” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Sea legs” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Sea legs” effectively in context?

You can use "Sea legs" to describe the ability to keep your balance and adjust to the movement of a ship at sea. It implies that someone has become accustomed to the swaying and rocking motion of a ship, and can walk steadily without stumbling. For example, if someone asks how you're adjusting to being on a boat, you might say, 'I finally got my sea legs and can walk without stumbling.'

• 1. Travel

  After a few days at sea, I finally got my sea legs and could walk without stumbling.

• 2. Cruise

  It took me a while to get my sea legs on the cruise ship, but eventually, I felt steady on my feet.

• 3. Sailing

  The experienced sailor had strong sea legs and could navigate the ship even in rough waters.

Similar phrases to “Sea legs”:

Find one's footing

To become comfortable and confident in a new or unfamiliar situation

Example

After a few weeks at the new job, she finally found her footing and started excelling.

Get the hang of

To become familiar or skilled at something through practice or experience

Example

It took some time, but she eventually got the hang of playing the guitar.

Adjust to

To become accustomed to a new situation or environment

Example

It took a while for him to adjust to living in a different country.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Sea legs” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Sea legs" is unknown.

Is “Sea legs” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Sea legs" is a common expression used in everyday conversation, especially in nautical or travel-related contexts. People often use it to describe their ability to adjust to the movement of a ship at sea.

What tone does “Sea legs” have?

"Sea legs" conveys a tone of adaptability and resilience. It suggests that someone has become accustomed to a challenging situation and can navigate it with ease.

Can “Sea legs” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "sea legs" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a physical ability to adjust to the movement of a ship. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After a few days at sea, I finally got my sea legs.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Finally got my "sea legs"!' to imply that one has become accustomed to a new situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• balance oneself
• adapt to the motion
• accustom to the sway
• steady oneself

Antonyms

• stumble
• lose one's balance
• feel unsteady
• be disoriented