new to the game

Inexperienced in a particular area or activity. Despite its use of the word "game," this phrase does not usually refer to sports. I know my employees are skeptical of me because I'm new to the game—I need to prove that I have what it takes.

new to the game

If you are new to the game, you have little or no previous experience of the activity that you are taking part in. Small investors, many of whom are new to the game, appear to believe that there is no end to the riches rolling in. She's new to the game and will take a while to complete the task, so you need to be patient.