THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Wet behind the ears
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Young and inexperienced.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I was still wet behind the ears when I joined my first project team.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I was still ________ when I joined my first project team.
Show the answer
Wet behind the ears — Young and inexperienced.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Wet behind the ears” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Young and inexperienced.
Compare: I was still wet behind the ears when I joined my first project team.
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More ways to understand and use it
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Picture the meaning
The new assistant needs guidance with an unfamiliar task. He is wet behind the ears: young and inexperienced, with plenty to learn.
When to use it
Use this informal expression about someone with little experience. It can sound patronising or dismissive, so it is often more considerate to say “new to the role”.
More examples in context
- The narrator describes his younger self as wet behind the ears.
- She was wet behind the ears at the time, but she asked questions and learned quickly.
Usage note
A common pattern is “be wet behind the ears”. Lack of experience does not mean someone lacks ability or potential. Avoid using the phrase as a substitute for helpful training or feedback.
A short conversation
A: Did you feel confident in your first job?
B: Not at all. I was wet behind the ears and needed plenty of guidance.
A: It helps to remember that when we welcome new staff.
One more practice question
What does “wet behind the ears” describe?
A. Youth and a lack of experience.
B. Extensive experience in the role.
Check your answer
A. The expression refers to someone young and inexperienced.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.