element

*out of one's element

Fig. not in a natural or comfortable situation. (*Typically: be ~; get ~.) When it comes to computers, I'm out of my element. Sally's out of her element in math.

See also: out

in one's element

Fig. in a natural or comfortable situation or environment. Sally is in her element when she's working with algebra or calculus. Bob loves to work with color and texture. When he's painting, he's in his element.

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be in your element

to feel happy and relaxed because you are doing something that you like doing and are good at You should have seen her when they asked her to sing, she was in her element.

be out of your element

to feel unhappy or strange because you are in a situation that you are not familiar with He felt out of his element at such a formal occasion.

See also: out

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in your element

doing something you like very much and are comfortable with Paul is in his element when he's working in the office, but when he's making sales calls, he's miserable.

Usage notes: the opposite meaning is expressed by out of your element (doing something that makes you very uncomfortable or unhappy): Grant was a great general, but as president, he was out of his element.