Take somebody under your wing
phrase
To start to protect or take care of someone, especially someone who is younger, less experienced, or in some trouble.
The senior employee took the new intern under her wing and showed her how things worked.
Often appears as...
- take a newbie under your wing
- take a novice under your wing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To start to protect or take care of someone, especially someone who is younger, less experienced, or in some trouble.
The senior employee took the new intern under her wing and showed her how things worked.
Often appears as...
- take a newbie under your wing
- take a novice under your wing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Non-literal Meaning
The phrase does not mean physical protection but offering support and knowledge.
After seeing her struggle with the new software, Jake took the new hire under his wing.
Pro Tip 2/3Guardian Implication
Using this phrase suggests a caring and nurturing role, like a guardian.
The coach took the young athlete under his wing, offering daily training advice.
Pro Tip 3/3Seniority or Experience
The one who 'takes under their wing' is usually more experienced or senior.
The seasoned professor took the fledgling researcher under her wing.
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