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find (something) wanting

To discover or determine that someone or something is deficient in certain or overall requirements, expectations, or standards. The report found the government's stimulus plan wanting in several key areas. Though impressed by his application letter, the firm found his C.V. wanting. Mary was found wanting in basic social etiquette by her peers.

find (something) out the hard way

To learn or discover something through personal experience, especially that which is difficult, painful, or unpleasant. Can also be phrased as "find out about something the hard way." Starting your own business is really tough. I had to find that out the hard way. Everyone will tell you that becoming a parent is challenging, but you never really know what that means until you find out about it the hard way.

find (one's) (own) level

To reach one's level of proficiency, comfort, or competency in a particular area. I'm so impressed with the interns—they've really found their level now. It takes time to find your own level as a teacher, but you'll get there—we all do.

find (one's) feet

To reach a level of comfort in a new situation. It took a while, but I've finally found my feet in my job. I know you're nervous, but all freshmen are—you'll find your feet at school, don't worry.

find (one's) voice

1. To find one's distinctive style or vision of artistic expression. I think this is your best story yet, Betsy—you've really found your voice as a writer. It takes time to find your voice, but I'm confident you'll get there by the end of our photography class.

2. To regain the ability to speak, especially after something frightening or startling has happened. It took him a minute, but Pete found his voice again after we startled him at his surprise party.

find out how the land lies

To find out about or come to understand a particular state of affairs or the way a situation exists or has developed, especially before taking any decisive or definitive action. Given the turbulent nature of this market, I think it would be prudent for us to find out how the land lies before we agree to invest in your company. I'm just finding out how the land lies between my parents before I make any solid plans to come visit them.

find the time

To devote time in one's busy schedule to do something. When am I supposed to find the time to make cupcakes for the school bake sale? I have two important meetings today at work! I try to find the time to meditate every day.

nowhere to be found

Unable to be discovered; completely gone or vanished. I swear I was just holding them in my hand, but now my keys are nowhere to be found! The box says it comes with batteries, but they're nowhere to be found.

find (one's) tongue

To regain the ability to speak, especially after feeling frightened or nervous, or not knowing what to say. It took him a minute, but Pete found his tongue again after we startled him at his surprise party. The little boy, who had been huddled nervously at the back, found his tongue and told the detectives what happened.

found money

money that has come to someone with such ease or surprise that one might have just as well found it by accident. The money he got from his uncle's estate is all found money except for the taxes. He did nothing to earn it.

found something (up)on something

to establish something on some kind of basis or justification. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) The owners founded this company upon prompt service. We founded our business on practically no money.

lost-and-found

an office or department that handles items that someone has lost that have been found by someone else. The lost-and-found office had an enormous collection of umbrellas and four sets of false teeth! I found a book on the seat of the bus. I turned it in to the driver, who gave it to the lost-and-found office.

found on

or found upon

To establish the basis of something with some other thing; base something on something else: The original inhabitants founded their community on the basis of shared labor. The laws are founded upon deep principles of justice.

lost-and-found badge

n. a military identification tag; a military dog tag. (From the Persian Gulf War.) My father still keeps his lost-and-found badge from the Korean War.