# swaddling clothes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/swaddling-clothes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An early period in development, infancy, the beginnings of something; inception.

## Examples

- The new project is still in its swaddling clothes.
- The startup is still in its swaddling clothes, so they are not ready to hire many employees yet.
- Although the technology remains in its swaddling clothes, experts believe it will eventually change how we interact with the world.

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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.