The expression GET ONE’S BEARINGS, sometimes also FIND ONE’S BEARINGS, means to find out your position, so to figure out exactly where you are:
Here are some examples:
It looked like we were in the middle of nowhere and it seemed impossible to get our bearings.
You should use a map to be able to find your bearings.
It’s hard to get your bearings at sea.
The expression is often used figuratively:
I think you should attend the training. This will help you get your bearings at work.
You just started working for us, so it will take you some time to get your bearings.
I think I should read the instructions first to get my bearings.
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