Wet behind the ears

Origin of: Wet behind the ears

Wet behind the ears

Wet behind the ears is a metaphor for a novice or beginner and the evidence seems to suggest that this is an American expression from the early 20th century. All animals, including humans, are born ‘wet’ i.e. covered with bodily fluids, hence the meaning of a novice or a beginner with a lot to learn, just like a new-born baby.