sea legs

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.

sea legs

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

sea legs

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.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sea legs¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

After a rocky start, Colbert found his sea legs and eclipsed longtime late night leader NBC with his signature humor and sharp takes on political and cultural hot buttons.

From Los Angeles Times

Phil President and Chief Executive Kim Noltemy, adding that it took a while for the organization to regain its sea legs after the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

Summer School allows them to get their metaphorical sea legs in front of a supportive audience.

From Los Angeles Times

“Therefore, I am very used to the feeling of having sea legs and having water rolling under me. Who knows if there is a connection? But it makes as much sense as any other theory, I guess.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Olive has not found her sea legs!”

From Literature