get one's feet wet

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

get one's feet wet (third-person singular simple present gets one's feet wet, present participle getting one's feet wet, simple past got one's feet wet, past participle (UK) got one's feet wet or (US) gotten one's feet wet)

1. (idiomatic) To begin gaining experience; to tentatively try something new.

   Let the new hire do that project so she can get her feet wet.

   Why don't you try getting your feet wet on the beginner slopes.

   • 1991 September 9, Sharon LaFraniere, “Despite achievement, Thomas felt isolated”, in Washington Post, retrieved 14 August 2018:

     Thomas barely got his feet wet at the Education Department before he was sworn in nine months later as EEOC commissioner.

   • 2011 May 24, Kayla Webley, “Health and Medical Preparatory Programs”, in Time, retrieved 14 August 2018:

     These programs, often offered by community colleges and vocational schools, can offer students a way to get their feet wet in the medical field without committing to the years of school and expertise it takes to become a doctor.

Translations

begin gaining experience

• Russian: понюхать пороху

See also

• dip one's toe in the water