A Fish Out of Water

"As soon as I walked into the fancy restaurant, I felt like a fish out of water. Everyone was dressed up, speaking in quiet tones, while I fumbled with the complicated menu. I smiled nervously at the waiter, hoping I wouldn’t order something too strange. My friend just laughed and whispered, ‘Relax, it’s just dinner!’ But I couldn't shake the feeling."

Question: What does "fish out of water" mean in this situation?

PIE PROMPTS

1. Pronunciation

• Listen to the audio and repeat or use it as a guide while you read. Focus on “a fish out of water” and ensure smooth, connected pronunciation.

2. Intonation

• Sentence: “I felt like a fish out of water.”

• Intonation variations:

• “I felt like a fish out of water.” (Stressing felt emphasizes the emotional discomfort.)

• “I felt like a fish out of water.” (Stressing a suggests being the only one out of place.)

• “I felt like a fish out of water.” (Stressing water highlights the specific environment.)

3. Expression

• Idiom: A fish out of water means feeling uncomfortable or out of place.

• Use this idiom: When you are in a situation where you feel awkward or like you don’t belong.