sea legs

American  

plural noun

1. the ability to adjust one's sense of balance to the motion of a ship at sea.

   He stumbled about the deck for three days before getting his sea legs.

2. the ability to remain free of seasickness.

3. surimi.

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sea legs British  

plural noun

1. the ability to maintain one's balance on board ship, esp in rough weather

2. the ability to resist seasickness, esp in rough weather

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sea legs Cultural  

1. To “have one's sea legs” is to be able to walk calmly and steadily on a tossing ship, or to become accustomed to a new or strange situation: “Even though Kimberly just joined the company, she's got her sea legs in a hurry.”

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sea legs Idioms  

1. The ability to adjust to a new situation or difficult conditions, as in She's only spoken in public a few times; she hasn't found her sea legs yet. This expression was first recorded in 1712 and then referred to, as it still does, the ability to walk steadily on board ship, especially in rough seas. By the late 1800s it was being transferred to other challenging situations.

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Etymology

Origin of sea legs

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

His first hire was to bring in a proven old veteran, a respected guru, Wade Phillips, as his defensive coordinator to steady the ship while Sean got his sea legs.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Oli, who is about 10 years old, joined him five years ago and quickly earned his sea legs.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2023

If the "Shadow and Bone" story is to continue, it needs to find its sea legs again.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2023

“Her office is still getting their sea legs; we’ll learn more about her as we bring more bills to her desk for signature,” Sen. Hoylman-Sigal told me.

From Slate • Feb. 1, 2023

When seasickness thinned the ranks of the diners, extra desserts were laid out, and Louie, who had sturdy sea legs, let nothing go to waste.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand