To be “(a little) new to (all) this” means to be inexperienced or unfamiliar with something, often resulting in a lack of skill or confidence. It’s typically used in an apologetic way to explain mistakes or slow progress due to inexperience.
Meaning and origin:
This idiom is a casual way of admitting that you are learning or encountering something for the first time, acknowledging that it may take time to get accustomed to it. It’s a polite way to excuse yourself when you don’t perform as well as expected because of your newness to a task or activity.
Examples of usage:
In a new job:
“I’m sorry if I make mistakes; I’m still a little new to all this.”
In a new hobby:
“She’s new to this whole knitting thing, so her stitches aren’t perfect yet.”
In technology:
“I’m not great at using this software—I’m a little new to all this, so bear with me.”
Why and when to use this idiom:
This idiom is helpful when someone wants to express humility and ask for patience from others while they learn something new. It’s often used in professional or personal settings where someone is gaining new skills or starting a new role. It allows people to admit their inexperience without sounding defensive.
Equivalent expressions:
- “Still learning the ropes” – To be in the process of learning how to do something.
- “Just getting started” – Indicating that someone is at the beginning of their learning journey.
- “Green” – A slang term for someone inexperienced.
Idioms like “(a little) new to (all) this” give English learners a way to express their uncertainty or lack of experience in a polite and effective manner, which can help them communicate better in new situations.
