sea legs


plural noun

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.
the ability to remain free of seasickness.

Origin of sea legs

First recorded in 1705–15

Example sentences from the Web for sea legs

British Dictionary definitions for sea legs

sea legs

pl n informal

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

Cultural definitions for sea legs

sea legs

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.”

Idioms and Phrases with sea legs

sea legs

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.