Question

Choose the correct meaning of the italicised idiom/phrase.
For the first week, the apprentice felt like a fish out of water.

a. frustrated
b. homeless
c. disappointed
d. uncomfortable

Answer 1

Hint: The phrase ‘fish out of water’ refers to ‘a person away from his or her usual environment or activities’.

Complete answer:
An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. They are, in short, metaphors.

So, ‘a fish out of water’ represents a change of environment, and unfamiliar surroundings. This would be a very stressful situation for a fish.
Now, let’s apply this to humans - humans would not feel comfortable outside their usual surroundings. They do not feel comfortable out of their comfort zones.

Now, let’s look at the given options:

> Frustrated - The word ‘frustrated’ refers to ‘feeling or expressing distress and annoyance resulting from an inability to change or achieve something'. This is not the meaning of the given idiom. So, this is an incorrect option.

> Homeless - The word ‘homeless’ refers to ‘without a home, and therefore typically living on the streets'. This is also not the meaning of the given idiom. So, this is also an incorrect option.

> Disappointed - The word ‘disappointed’ refers to ‘sad or displeased because someone or something has failed to fulfil one's hopes or expectations'. This does not describe what the idiom means. So, this is an incorrect option.

> Uncomfortable - The word ‘uncomfortable’ refers to ‘causing or feeling uneasy or awkwardness’. This is the exact meaning of the given idiom. So, this is the correct option.

Note: Figuring out the literal meaning of the idiom helps to understand the situation better. This will make it easier to choose the correct option.