Early Usage:
* 17th Century: The earliest recorded use of the phrase is from 1658, in Samuel Butler's "Hudibras," where it refers to a literal act of wading: "He that would thrive must play the fool, / And get his feet wet in the pool."
* 18th Century: The idiom began to be used figuratively in the 18th century, with its meaning expanding to encompass the idea of trying something new or unfamiliar. For example, in 1789, William Cowper wrote in his "Task" about a "youth ... too bold ... and ventures to get his feet wet."
Meaning:
The idiom "get your feet wet" signifies trying something new or unfamiliar, typically for the first time. It implies a cautious approach, dipping one's toes into the water before fully committing.
Figurative Evolution:
Over time, the idiom evolved to encompass the wider sense of "begin to experience something." It signifies the initial stages of involvement or exposure to something new, regardless of whether it involves literal water or not.
Today:
The idiom "get your feet wet" is widely used in modern English to encourage someone to try something new or to indicate that they are just beginning to explore a particular field or activity.