What does “Take someone under your wing” mean?
"Take someone under your wing" means to mentor or guide someone, especially someone who is younger or less experienced than you. It involves providing support, advice, and protection to help them develop and succeed.
What context can I use the in?
Example
As a senior employee, it's important to take someone under your wing and help them navigate their new role.
Example
The experienced coach decided to take the young player under his wing and help him improve his skills.
Example
She was grateful to have a mentor who was willing to take her under his wing and show her the ropes of the industry
Is “Take someone under your wing” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Take someone under your wing” 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 “Take someone under your wing” effectively in context?
You can use "Take someone under your wing" to describe the act of mentoring or guiding someone, particularly someone who is younger or less experienced. It implies providing support, advice, and protection to help them develop and succeed. For example, if you notice a new colleague struggling to adapt to their role, you might say, 'I'll take her under my wing and show her the ropes.'
- 1Work
As a senior employee, it's important to take someone under your wing and help them navigate their new role.
- 2Sports
The experienced coach decided to take the young player under his wing and help him improve his skills.
- 3Career Development
She was grateful to have a mentor who was willing to take her under his wing and show her the ropes of the industry.
Similar phrases to “Take someone under your wing”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Take someone under your wing” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Take someone under your wing" is unknown.
Is “Take someone under your wing” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Take someone under your wing" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe the act of mentoring or guiding someone, and people frequently use it to express their willingness to help others succeed.
What tone does “Take someone under your wing” have?
"Take someone under your wing" conveys a tone of support and guidance. It suggests a nurturing and protective attitude towards someone who needs assistance or mentorship.
Can “Take someone under your wing” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Take someone under your wing" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the act of mentoring or guiding someone. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as professional settings or networking events.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to take the young intern under his wing and provide guidance.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'll take you under my wing' to offer support and guidance.
