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

If the first season was about finding their sea legs, this season is about sharpening the writing, without making it too slick.

From The Daily Beast

“I think he took awhile to get his sea legs because it's difficult,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

As with any show, it took us some time to find our sea legs.

From The Daily Beast

"Easy now, and get 'e sea legs on," suggested Bludson, who was balancing himself dexterously in his walk.

From Project Gutenberg

Poor Flying Star seemed on its last legs and 'twasn't sea legs either.

From Project Gutenberg

Jasper would find his sea-legs in a fortnight, and a twelvemonth's v'y'ge would make him a man.

From Project Gutenberg

Sailor Jack, on his sea-legs in an instant, gave his unqualified approbation of the scheme.

From Project Gutenberg

I had not found my sea-legs, my knees were weak, and I went sliding about the wet poop like butter on a hot plate.

From Project Gutenberg