out of one's element

comparative more out of one's element · superlative most out of one's element

1. idiomaticIn a situation which is unsuitable, unfamiliar, or unenjoyable.

   In this varied, often mountainous terrain, the Mongols were out of their element, and they relied on local mercenaries for support.

   2007, Laurence Bergreen, Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu, Alfred A. Knopf, →ISBN, page 183

   2 more examples

   Mrs. Hobson was particularly out of her element in New York, which she regarded as the most sinful of cities, and seldom ventured out of the apartment for any length of time.

   2004, Brian Kellow, The Bennetts: An Acting Family, The University Press of Kentucky, →ISBN

   Unfortunately, Alba appears out of her element in both roles, particularly with respect to her attempt to proximate believable accents for her characters.

   2009, Mary Beltrán, Latina/o Stars in U.S. Eyes: The Making and Meanings of Film and TV Stardom, University of Illinois Press, →ISBN, page 164

   Synonyms: out of one's depth