lose your bearings

lose (one's) bearings

To lose sight of or become unable to determine one's orientation, position, or abilities relative to one's surroundings or situation. Trying to find her way home through the woods in the dead of night, Sarah lost her bearings when the clouds obscured the stars overhead. I feel like I've been losing my bearings in life ever since I lost my job.
See also: bearing, lose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

lose your ˈbearings

become lost or suddenly confused: The old man seemed to have lost his bearings for a moment.
See also: bearing, lose
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (one's) bearings
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • at (one's) expense
  • be remembered as (something)
  • be remembered as/for something
  • be in somebody's good graces
References in classic literature
If you ever get lost hereaway, put your back ag'in the wall, look out straight afore you, and say to yourself: 'I look Noathe!' You do that like a good girl, and you won't lose your bearings."
No Name
The Big Weekend site is enormous, so don't be surprised if you lose your bearings; organisers say it is Stewart Park - but not as we know it.
Park is primed for festival
Approaching winter may make things a little gloomy, but you'll never lose your bearings with this cheeky arrow guiding the way!
TEALIGHT HOLDERS THREE OF THE BEST
That same afternoon - it's Wednesday, by the way, if you are beginning to lose your bearings without the structure of work to guide you - Leopardstown and Limerick begin four-day festivals guaranteed to stir the blood.
Plenty in store for festive racegoers; COME RACING THIS WEEK December 24-30