In one’s element is an idiom that has been in use for hundreds of years. We will examine the meaning of the idiom in one’s element, where it came from, and some examples of its idiomatic usage in sentences.
In one’s element is an idiom that means a place where someone is comfortable, either because of his talents, personality, or desires. The expression in one’s element came into use during the Elizabethan era, when nature was divided into four elements—earth, air, fire, and water; living and nonliving things were categorized as belonging to one of the elements.
Examples
“Chef Frank (Villa) couldn’t stop smiling — through his mask, of course — as he is in his element and for myself, seeing our regulars and the familiar faces has my heart full.” (Marin Independent Journal)
The president was in his element as he delivered remarks to an enthusiastic crowd of loyalist supporters. (The Daily Mail)
Although farming was in his blood, he was in his element when he had a mic in his hand, or was making sure there were no echoes from the speakers, or there were no squeals from the mics, and making sure that anyone using a mic could be heard and that everyone who needed to be heard was heard. (The Terry Tribune)
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