to feel unhappy or strange because you are in a situation that you are not familiar with.
He felt out of his element at such a formal occasion.
(redirected from be out of your element)
be out of (one's) element
To be uncomfortable in a certain situation, typically because one lacks experience or familiarity with it. She usually just orders takeout, so she's really out of her element in the kitchen.I know you're out of your element in this new school, but you'll make friends soon, and things will get better.I asked Alex to consult on this project because I'm out of my element here.