Wet Behind the Ears 👶💧
Definition: The phrase “wet behind the ears” refers to someone who is naive, inexperienced, or immature. Picture a newborn colt or calf, with damp areas behind their ears—the last place to dry out. The saying essentially suggests the person is metaphorically fresh and new, like a young animal who hasn’t yet faced the world.
Example:
- As J. F. Straker pointed out in his novel A Coil of Rope (1962): “You’re still wet behind the ears, darling. It’s time you grew up.”
Synonyms:
- Green: Lacks experience or sophistication.
- Novice: A beginner, someone new to a job or activity.
- Rookie: An unseasoned newcomer, usually in sports or work.
- Inexperienced: Not seasoned or practiced.
Antonyms:
- Experienced: Having acquired knowledge or skill in a field.
- Seasoned: Adept and knowledgeable from long use or exposure.
- Veteran: Someone long experienced in a particular field.
Similar Terms & Expressions:
- New kid on the block.
- Still on the learning curve.
- Babe in the woods: Suggests someone naive or innocent, possibly in danger because of it.
- Born yesterday: Implies an uncommon level of gullibility or naivety.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Remember, everyone was once wet behind the ears, even a shark in a suit.” — Just for laughs, how about business and ferocity combined?
- “I may be wet behind the ears, but at least I’m not drowning like some people I know.” — Witty words for a sharp retort.
Proverbs:
- “Experience is the best teacher.”
- “He who holds the ladder is as bad as the thief.” — Trusting the inexperienced can sometimes lead to mutual folly.
Literature & Media References:
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens: Full of youthful earnestness willing to grow and learn.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Characters face the challenges of youthful innocence.
- The Karate Kid (Movie): The journey from naive beginner to wise practitioner.
- “When I was your man” by Bruno Mars: In this song, there’s a hint at looking back at past naivety and regrets.
Inspirational Thought: “Everyone starts somewhere; no master was born that way. Embrace the phase of being ‘wet behind the ears’—it means you’ve just set sail on your grand odyssey.”
### What does 'wet behind the ears' mean?
- [x] Inexperienced or immature
- [ ] Very tired
- [ ] Extremely knowledgeable
- [ ] An expert in a field
> **Explanation:** "Wet behind the ears" refers to someone who is naive or inexperienced, often just starting out.
### Which term is synonymous with 'wet behind the ears'?
- [x] Green
- [ ] Veteran
- [ ] Expert
- [ ] Master
> **Explanation:** While "master" and "expert" imply advanced skill, "green" is a term used to describe someone who is inexperienced or immature.
### Presently, what could you call someone who is fresh out of college and into their first job?
- [x] Wet behind the ears
- [ ] Seasoned
- [ ] Know-it-all
- [ ] Aged
> **Explanation:** Someone new to the workforce can appropriately be described as "wet behind the ears," as they lack the experience that comes with time.
### Which phrase does not suggest inexperience or being new?
- [ ] New kid on the block
- [x] Seasoned professional
- [ ] Freshman
- [ ] Novice
> **Explanation:** "Seasoned professional" suggests someone with extensive experience, while the other options imply some level of inexperience.
### True or False: 'Wet behind the ears' originated from seabird feeding habits.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** The phrase actually hails from newborn farm animals, where the last area to dry after birth is behind the ears.
Farewell and remember, every great Shakespeare was once just a mere squire wet behind the ears.
— 💡 N. Ola Quest
