Origin of Phrases - W
Wet Behind the Ears
Meaning: To be naive and inexperienced.
Example: Typically, first time car buyers are wet behind the ears when it comes to negotiating with car salesmen.
Origin: Many newly born animals, wet from liquids in the womb, are slow to become dry. Some places, especially the indentations behind the ears, take the longest because they aren't exposed to the air. The fur on these animals usually stays wet until they are active.
For this reason, a person who knows absolutely nothing about some kind of action is referred to as "wet behind the ears."