Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“Jay-Z took me under his wing. He’s like a brother to me.”
- Rapper Drake talking about his mentor. (Us Weekly)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
guided or protected by someone
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
When a mama bird wants to protect her baby bird, she covers it with her wing. In the same way, when someone takes you under his wing, he helps or protects you.
Usually, someone who takes you under his wing doesn’t just keep you safe. He also acts as your mentor, helping you to succeed. For example, your boss might take you under his wing at work. Or an upperclassman might take you under her wing at school. An older sibling or friend might take you under her wing by giving you advice and looking out for you.
If you wanted to succeed as a rapper, you would definitely want to be under Jay-Z’s wing. He has a lot of power and influence in the music industry, so he could help you get ahead. Jay-Z took Drake under his wing and collaborated with him on his debut album, Thank Me Later. The album hit number one on the music charts and quickly sold over a million copies in the U.S. You could also say that Jay-Z gave wings to Drake, or helped him soar as a rapper.
Has anyone ever taken you under his wing? Or have you taken someone under your wing?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“Megan’s history teacher took her under her wing during her first semester in high school. “
“I wouldn’t have gotten promoted as quickly if my boss hadn’t taken me under his wing at work.
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“Katy did better at school after her older brother took her under his wing and started tutoring her at home.”