under someone's wing
1
4.2
- idiom
- Informal
:
bajo la protección de alguien
- During her internship, she was under her mentor's wing, learning the ropes of the industry.
- taken under someone's wing
Examples
-
Didn't you ever wonder why Mameha took you under her wing?
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And I am under this man's wing.
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Mama's gonna keep you right here under her wing.
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She really has taken me under her wing, especially as a female veterinarian.
-
Took an angry, obnoxious, young boy under her wing and made me the simply unpleasant man I am today.
-
A very low-key take for a rapper from Compton taken under Dr. Dre's wing.
Blog text (20) -
An unmarried daughter is no longer socially her mother's pale shadow, kept closely under the elder lady's wing, never allowed to be alone unless under her vigilant eyes, for she may now form her own social circle, entertain friends of both sexes, and be entertained at their homes...
Academic text (1995) -
After joining the team, I felt grateful to be under the guidance of someone so experienced.
-
The young artist thrived under the wing of a renowned painter, receiving invaluable support and advice.
Synonyms
3
8.4
With support and protection from an organization or authority
1
4.6
Support someone during difficult times
Antonyms
How Protected
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is a metaphorical extension of the literal image of a bird sheltering young under its wing, so a learner who knows 'under', 'someone's' and 'wing' can often infer a sense of protection or guidance. However, the protective/mentorship sense depends on recognizing the figurative use of 'wing' rather than a straight compositional meaning, so it is partially predictable but not fully transparent without prior exposure.
Etymology
Under someone's wing comes from the simple image of a bird covering a chick with its wing to keep it safe and warm. So, to be taken under someone's wing means to be 'protected' and 'guided' by someone more experienced.