Get/find/take your bearings Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3New Situations Use this phrase when adapting to unfamiliar places or scenarios. Attending a new school abroad, I needed to get my bearings. Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use Often used metaphorically to discuss finding one's way in non-physical spaces, like a new job. I'm still taking my bearings with the new software. Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Doesn't always involve physical movement; can refer to understanding a situation. After the breakup, it was hard to find my bearings emotionally.