What does “Wet behind the ears” mean?
"Wet behind the ears" means someone who is inexperienced or naive.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may be a talented musician, but he's still wet behind the ears when it comes to performing live.
Example
Don't worry, we were all wet behind the ears at our first job.
Example
The new intern is eager to learn, but definitely wet behind the ears in the industry
Is “Wet behind the ears” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Wet behind the ears” 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 “Wet behind the ears” effectively in context?
You can use "Wet behind the ears" to describe someone who is inexperienced or naive. It emphasizes that the person lacks knowledge or practical experience in a particular area. For example, if a friend is starting a new job and is unsure about certain tasks, you might say, 'Don't worry, we were all wet behind the ears at our first job.'
- 1Music
He may be a talented musician, but he's still wet behind the ears when it comes to performing live.
- 2Work
The new intern is eager to learn, but definitely wet behind the ears in the industry.
- 3Learning
She's enthusiastic about cooking, but she's still wet behind the ears when it comes to using advanced techniques.
Similar phrases to “Wet behind the ears”:
Inexperienced or naive
Example
She's still green when it comes to handling difficult clients.
Someone who is new to a particular activity or field
Example
He's a novice in the world of photography.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wet behind the ears” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wet behind the ears" is unknown.
Is “Wet behind the ears” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Wet behind the ears" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who is new to a situation or lacks experience.
What tone does “Wet behind the ears” have?
"Wet behind the ears" conveys a tone of informality and mild teasing. It is usually used in a lighthearted manner to point out someone's lack of experience without being overly critical.
Can “Wet behind the ears” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Wet behind the ears" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can also be used in formal situations to describe someone's lack of experience or knowledge. However, it is important to consider the context and the relationship with the person being described.
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's still wet behind the ears when it comes to managing a team.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'You're still "wet behind the ears"!' to playfully tease someone about their lack of experience.
