in element

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.

See also: element

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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.

See also: element