# dry behind the ears

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dry-behind-the-ears
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Seasoned or experienced; mature, especially with respect to judgment.

## Examples

- He is still young and not yet dry behind the ears.
- The manager did not want to hire the intern because he was not quite dry behind the ears yet.
- Although the young diplomat possessed a sharp intellect, his colleagues often dismissed his suggestions, claiming he was not yet dry behind the ears.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.