get your feet wet
Meaning
To get initial, low-risk experience with something new; to try it for the first time.
Origin
From the literal act of wading into water: you start by wetting your feet before going deeper. By the mid-20th century it was widely used for getting a small first taste of an activity or job.
Notes
Suggests a first, low-commitment try to gain experience. Common in work, hobbies, and learning contexts; informal to neutral.
Examples
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Iβm not ready to lead the project yet, but I can get my feet wet by helping with the research.
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She got her feet wet in investing by buying a small index fund.
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The internship is a great way to get your feet wet in the marketing world.
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If you want to get your feet wet with cooking, start with a few simple pasta dishes.
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They let new volunteers get their feet wet by working one short shift before taking on bigger responsibilities.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as βget your feet wet (with/in X)β or βget (oneβs) feet wet.β Possessive changes with subject (my/your/his). Can be past: βgot my feet wet.β
Synonyms
- get started
- try your hand at
- dip your toe in
- get a taste of
Antonyms
- dive in
- jump in at the deep end