What is the origin of the idiom get your feet wet?

Answer 1

The idiom "get your feet wet" originated from the literal act of entering water for the first time, such as when wading into a pool or a body of water. The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe someone trying something new or unfamiliar for the first time, implying that they are just beginning to gain experience or familiarity in a particular situation. It suggests a cautious or tentative approach to a new endeavor, much like testing the waters before fully committing.

Answer 2

During the time of the Exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt, they were delivered as Moses stretched his rod towards the Red Sea then the waters were parted. There was later a change of leadership from Moses to Joshua as it was time for them to cross the Jordan River and enter into Canaan (The Promised Land). God showed the Children of Israel they were following the right leader by performing the same miracle (parting the sea) in a different way. This time, God told them He would part the Jordan River "as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord of all the earth shall rest in the waters of the Jordan...." Hence: We won't get certain desired outcomes until we go forward and "get our feet wet!" Joshua 3: 13-15: And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. And it cam to pass, when the people removed from their tents, to pass over Jordan, and the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people; And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for the Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) That the waters which cam down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city of Adam