find (something) wanting
To discover or determine that someone or something is deficient in certain or overall requirements, expectations, or standards. The report found the government's stimulus plan wanting in several key areas. Though impressed by his application letter, the firm found his C.V. wanting. Mary was found wanting in basic social etiquette by her peers.
find (something) out the hard way
To learn or discover something through personal experience, especially that which is difficult, painful, or unpleasant. Can also be phrased as "find out about something the hard way." Starting your own business is really tough. I had to find that out the hard way. Everyone will tell you that becoming a parent is challenging, but you never really know what that means until you find out about it the hard way.
find (one's) (own) level
To reach one's level of proficiency, comfort, or competency in a particular area. I'm so impressed with the interns—they've really found their level now. It takes time to find your own level as a teacher, but you'll get there—we all do.
find (one's) feet
To reach a level of comfort in a new situation. It took a while, but I've finally found my feet in my job. I know you're nervous, but all freshmen are—you'll find your feet at school, don't worry.
find (one's) voice
1. To find one's distinctive style or vision of artistic expression. I think this is your best story yet, Betsy—you've really found your voice as a writer. It takes time to find your voice, but I'm confident you'll get there by the end of our photography class.
2. To regain the ability to speak, especially after something frightening or startling has happened. It took him a minute, but Pete found his voice again after we startled him at his surprise party.
found money
money that has come to someone with such ease or surprise that one might have just as well found it by accident. The money he got from his uncle's estate is all found money except for the taxes. He did nothing to earn it.
found something (up)on something
to establish something on some kind of basis or justification. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) The owners founded this company upon prompt service. We founded our business on practically no money.
lost-and-found
an office or department that handles items that someone has lost that have been found by someone else. The lost-and-found office had an enormous collection of umbrellas and four sets of false teeth! I found a book on the seat of the bus. I turned it in to the driver, who gave it to the lost-and-found office.