in thing

the in thing (to do) the fashionable thing

to do. Eating low-fat food is the in thing

to do.  Bob is very old-fashioned. He

never does the in thing.

in this day and age presently; currently;

nowadays. (Folksy.) You don’t expect

people to be polite in this day and age.

Young folks don’t take care of their par-

ents in this day and age.

in time 1. Go to in due course. 2. Go to in

step (with someone or something). 3. before

the deadline; before the last minute.

Did you turn in your paper in time? I

didn’t go to Florida. I didn’t get to the air-

port in time.

in times past long ago; in previous times.

In times past, you would not have been

able to wear casual clothing to work. In

times past, the air always seemed fresher

and cleaner.

in top form 1. [of someone or some crea-

ture] in very good physical condition.

The runners are in top form, so this should

be a good race. I’m not in top form, but

I’m not a physical mess either. 2. able to

make witty remarks and clever state-

ments quickly and easily. That was

really funny, Bob. You are in top form

tonight.

in tow closely following; under someone’s

control. The nanny walked into the

park with three children in tow. The

manager went to the meeting with her staff

in tow.

in transit while in the process of being

transported. Dave is in transit from

London to Chicago. The new stereo is

now in transit from the manufacturer.

in triplicate [of a document] produced in

three copies. Mr. Smith asked me to

type up his notes in triplicate. I com-

pleted each form in triplicate.

in trouble 1. in danger; in difficulty; due

for punishment. If you don’t be quiet,

you’re going to be in trouble. The com-

pany was in trouble for months, and then

went bankrupt. 2. pregnant and unmar-

ried. (Euphemistic.) They had to get

married. She was in trouble. She’ll be

in trouble before long, if she doesn’t quit

running around like that.

in tune in a state where musical notes are

at their proper intervals so that none are

flat or sharp. (Compare this with out of

tune (with someone or something).) Your

piano is nicely in tune. The choir mem-

bers all sang in tune.

in tune with someone or something 1. at the

same or a harmonizing musical pitch. (In

can be replaced with into. See the note

at in a bind and the examples below.)

The violin isn’t in tune with the piano.

Bill, please get in tune with John.

2. [with something] keeping up with

something. Tom, your clothes are old-

fashioned. You aren’t in tune with the

times. Come on, Sally. Get in tune with

what’s going on around you.

in turn one at a time in sequence.

of us can read the book in turn.

the hair of every child in turn.

in two shakes of a lamb’s tail very

quickly. I’ll be there in two shakes of a

lamb’s tail. In two shakes of a lamb’s

tail, the bird f lew away.

in unison 1. [of musical notes, instru-

ments, or voices] having the same pitch.

This part of the piece is performed in

unison. The twins sang in unison. 2.

acting as one; together and at the same

time. In unison, all of the workers voted

“yes” for the new contract. John and his

wife responded to my question in unison.

in view of something in consideration of

something; because of something. In

view of the high cost of gasoline, I sold my

car. I won’t invite John to the meeting

in view of his attitude.

in with someone friends with someone; hav-

ing influence with someone. Are you in

with John? I need to ask him for a favor.

I’ve heard that the mayor is in with the

county treasurer.

inch along (something) to move slowly along

something little by little. The cat inched

along the carpet toward the mouse.

Traffic was inching along.

inch by inch one inch at a time; little by lit-

tle. Traffic moved along inch by inch.

Inch by inch, the snail moved across the

stone.

incumbent upon someone to do something

necessary for someone to do something.

(Upon can be replaced with on.) It’s in-

cumbent upon you to do the work. It

was incumbent on me to make the presen-

tation of the first prize.

innocent as a lamb Go to (as) innocent as

a lamb.

inside the box 1. as if bound by old, non-

functional, or limiting structures, rules,

or practices. (An adverb. Compare this

with outside the box.) If you keep your

discussions inside the box, you will be

bound by traditional limitations. Noth-

ing can be accomplished inside the box to

solve this problem. We have already tried

every obvious solution. 2. bound by old,

nonfunctional, or limiting structures,

rules, or practices. (Usually inside-the-

box. An adjective.) You have some

really inside-the-box ideas, Ralph. Why

not be more creative? After some long,

tedious, inside-the-box discussions, we ar-

rived at the same old conclusion that we al-

ways arrive at.

instrumental in doing something playing an

important part in doing something.

John was instrumental in getting the con-

tract to build the new building.  Our

senator was instrumental in defeating the

bill.

intent on doing something determined to do

something. The children were intent on

making a snowman. The prisoner was

intent on escaping.

in(to) a jam in(to) a difficult situation.

Mary cannot keep track of the many times

Dave got himself into a jam. I found

myself in a jam when my car overheated

on the highway.

invasion of (someone’s) privacy an intru-

sion that results in the loss of someone’s

privacy. Your invasion of my privacy is

not welcome! The athlete complained

about the invasion of his privacy by the

press.

invest someone’s time in something to put

one’s time, effort, or energy into a pro-

ject. Mary invests her time in charity

work. I invested five weeks of my time

building this model ship.

invest someone with something to endow

someone with something, such as power

or privilege. The Constitution invests

the vice president with the authority to act

on the president’s behalf in certain condi-

tions. The state has invested me with the

authority to unite this couple in marriage.

invest something in someone or something 1. to

put money, time, effort, etc., into some-

one or something, hoping for a return.

We will invest time and effort in Fred and

make him into a movie star.  Sharon

invested a lot of money in the stock mar-

ket. 2. to place power or authority un-

der control of someone or something.

The Constitution has invested certain

powers in the federal government and left

the rest to the states. The law invests the

power to arrest criminals in the sheriff ’s

department.

iron something out to solve a problem; to

straighten out a problem; to smooth out

a difficulty. (Also literal.) The princi-

pal had to iron a classroom problem out.

T I just have to iron out this little prob-

lem; then I’ll be able to see you.

issue a call for something to make a public

invitation or request for something.

The prime minister issued a call for peace.

The person who organized the writing

contest issued a call for entries.

It behooves one to do something. It is nec-

essary for one to do something.; It is in-

cumbent upon someone to do something.

It behooves me to report the crime. It be-

hooves you to pay for the window that you

broke.

It (only) stands to reason. It is only rea-

sonable to hold a certain opinion.

stands to reason that most people will not

buy a new car if they don’t think they can

pay for it. I think he will come back to

pick up his check. It only stands to reason.

It sucks. Go to That sucks.

It takes (some) getting used to. It is very

unpleasant, but when it is gotten used to,

it will not be so bothersome. (Said in

recognition of the unpleasantness of

something.) I never ate duck’s feet be-

fore. It takes some getting used to. These

hot Mexican dishes seem impossible at

first. They take some getting used to, I

agree. But it’s worth it.

It ’ll never fly. It will never work!; It will

never be approved! (Also literal. Refers to

an evaluation of an unlikely-looking air-

craft of some type.) I have read your

report and studied your proposal. It’ll

never f ly. Your design for a new electric

automobile is interesting, but it’ll never fly!

It’s about time! It is almost too late!; I’ve

been waiting a long time! (Informal. See

also the following entry.) So you finally

got here! It’s about time! They finally

paid me my money. It’s about time!

It’s (all) Greek to me. It is totally incom-

prehensible to me. Can you explain

what this paragraph in the lease means?

Legal language is all Greek to me. I can’t

figure out this diagram of how to assem-

ble my bicycle. It’s all Greek to me.

It ’s high time! It is past time [for some-

one or something]!; [Someone or some-

thing] is overdue! (Informal. See also the

previous entry.) It’s high time that you

got recognition for what you do! They

sent me my check, and it’s high time, too.

It’s no use (doing something). It is hopeless to

do something.; It is pointless to do some-

thing. It’s no use trying to call on the

telephone. The line is always busy. They

tried and tried, but it was no use.

in so

in so many words exactly; explicitly; lit-

erally. I told her in so many words to

leave me alone. He said yes, but not in

so many words.

in some neck of the woods in some vicin-

ity or neighborhood; in some remote

place. (Folksy. The some is usually this,

that, your, their, etc.) I think that the

Smiths live in your neck of the woods.

What’s happening over in that neck of the

woods?

in someone else’s place Go to in someone else’s

shoes.

in someone else’s shoes and in someone else’s

place seeing or experiencing something

from someone else’s point of view. (See

the note at in a bind and the examples.

See also put oneself in someone else’s place.)

You might feel different if you were in

her shoes. Pretend you’re in Tom’s place,

and then try to figure out why he acts the

way he does.

in someone’s behalf Go to in behalf of some-

one.

in someone’s favor 1. to someone’s advan-

tage or credit. (Especially in sports

scores, as in the examples below.) The

score was ten to twelve in our favor. At

the end of the second half, the score was

forty to three in the other team’s favor. 2.

liked by someone; approved of by some-

one. (In can be replaced with into. See the

note at in a bind and the examples below.)

John might be able to help me. I hope

I’m currently in his favor. My mother

is mad at me. I’m certainly not in her fa-

vor. I’ll try to get into her favor. 3. and

in favor of someone to someone, as when

writing a check. (See also honor someone’s

check.) Please make out a check for $300

in Tom’s favor. I’m making out the check

in favor of Mr. Brown.

in someone’s or something’s custody Go to in

custody of someone or something.

in someone’s prayers [of someone] remem-

bered and called by name when someone

prays. I am sorry to hear of your sick-

ness. You will be in our prayers. The

whole family is in my prayers because they

have suffered so much.

in some respects and in many respects

with regard to some or many details.

In some respects, Anne’s comments are

similar to yours. The three proposals are

quite different in many respects.

in spite of someone or something regardless of

someone or something; in defiance of

someone or something. In spite of what

you said, I still like you. He went to the

concert in spite of his parents.

in step (with someone or something) 1. [with

someone] [marching or dancing] in ca-

dence with another person; marching

with the same rhythm as someone else.

(In can be replaced with into. See the

note at in a bind and the examples below.)

Please keep in step with Jane. You

two, back there. You aren’t in step. Get

into step! 2. and in time [with some-

thing] keeping in rhythm or cadence with

music. John, your marching isn’t in step

with the beat. I’m trying to play in time.

3. as up to date as someone or something.

Bob is not in step with the times. We

try to keep in step.

in stock readily available, as with goods in

a store. I’m sorry, I don’t have that in

stock. I’ll have to order it for you. We

have all our Christmas merchandise in

stock now.

in storage in a place where things are

stored or kept. Mary placed her winter

clothes in storage during the summer.

John’s furniture is in storage while he is in

the army.

in surgery involved in surgery. Dr. Smith

is in surgery now. The patient is still in

surgery.

in tatters in torn pieces of cloth.

poor man’s clothes hung in tatters.

f lag was in tatters after the storm.

in terms of something relating to something;

with regard to something. In terms of

value to this company, how much do you

think you are worth? Is this a good paint

job on my car—in terms of the quality, not

the color?

in the absence of someone or something while

someone or something isn’t here; without

someone or something. In the absence

of the cook, I’ll prepare dinner. In the

absence of opposition, she won easily.

in the affirmative in the form of an an-

swer that means yes. The soldier an-

swered in the affirmative by nodding his

head “yes.” My manager’s response was

in the affirmative.

in the air everywhere; all about. (Also lit-

eral.) There is such a feeling of joy in the

air. We felt a sense of tension in the air.

in the altogether and in the buff; in the

raw naked; nude. (Informal. In can be re-

placed with into. See in a bind and the ex-

amples below.) We often went swim-

ming in the altogether down at the creek.

The museum has a painting of some

ladies in the buff. Mary felt a little shy

about getting into the altogether.

says he sleeps in the raw.

in the balance in an undecided state. (See

also hang in the balance.) He stood on

the edge of the cliff, his life in the balance.

With his fortune in the balance, John

rolled the dice.

in the best of health very healthy.

is in the best of health. He eats well and ex-

ercises.  I haven’t been in the best of

health. I think I have the f lu.

in the black not in debt; in a financially

profitable condition. (Compare this with

in the red. In can be replaced with into.

See in a bind and the examples below.)

I wish my accounts were in the black.

Sally moved the company into the black.

in the blood and in one’s blood built into

one’s personality or character. John’s a

great runner. It’s in his blood. The whole

family is very athletic. It’s in the blood.

in the bullpen [for a baseball pitcher to be]

in a special place near a baseball playing

field, warming up to pitch. (In can be re-

placed with into. See the note at in a bind

and the examples below.) You can tell

who is pitching next by seeing who is in the

bullpen. Our best pitcher just went into

the bullpen. He’ll be pitching soon.

in the cards in the future. (Informal.)

Well, what do you think is in the cards for

tomorrow? I asked the boss if there was

a raise in the cards for me.

in the care of someone and in the charge

of someone in the keeping of someone. (In

can be replaced with into. See the note

at in a bind and the examples below.)

I left the baby in the care of my mother.

I placed the house into the care of my

friend. Bill left the office in the charge

of his assistant.

in the case of someone or something 1. in the

matter of someone or something; in the

instance of someone or something. (See

also in case of something. Compare this

with in the event of something.) In the

case of John, I think we had better allow

his request. In the case of this woman,

we’ll not grant permission. 2. [with some-

one] in the legal proceedings relating to

someone. (The someone may be con-

tained in the official name of a legal

case.) I recall a similar situation in the

case of Ohio v. Jane Smith. Have they

found any new facts in the case of Bill

Wilson?

in the charge of someone Go to in the care

of someone.

in the chips wealthy; with much money.

(Slang. In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) John is a stock trader, and occa-

sionally he’s in the chips. Bill really came

into the chips when his uncle died.

in the clear 1. not obstructed; not en-

closed. (In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) You’re in the clear. Go ahead and

back up. Once the deer got into the clear,

it ran away. 2. innocent; not guilty.

Don’t worry, Tom. I’m sure you’re in the

clear. I’ll feel better when I get into the

clear.

in the context of something in the circum-

stances under which something has hap-

pened. In the context of a funeral,

laughing loudly is inappropriate. In the

context of an argument, it is fine to speak

firmly.

in the course of time Go to in due course.

in the doghouse in trouble; in (someone’s)

disfavor. (Informal. In can be replaced

with into. See in a bind and the examples

below.) I’m really in the doghouse. I was

late for an appointment. I hate being in

the doghouse all the time. I don’t know

why I can’t stay out of trouble.

in the doldrums sluggish; inactive; in low

spirits. (In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) He’s usually in the doldrums in the

winter. I had some bad news yesterday,

which put me into the doldrums.

in the driver ’s seat in control. (Refers to

driving and controlling a vehicle.) Now

that Fred is in the driver’s seat, there is a

lot less criticism about how things are be-

ing done. Joan can’t wait to get into the

driver’s seat and do what she can to turn

things around.

in the event of something if something hap-

pens. (Compare this with in the case of

someone or something.) In the event of fire,

please leave quickly and quietly. The pic-

nic will be canceled in the event of rain.

in the family Go to (all) in the family.

in the family way Go to in a family way.

in the final analysis and in the last

analysis in truth; when all the facts are

known; when the truth becomes known.

(Usually used when someone is specu-

lating about what the final truth is.) In

the final analysis, it is usually the children

who suffer most in a situation like this.

In the last analysis, you simply do not want

to do as you are told!

in the first instance Go to in the first

place.

in the first place and in the first in-

stance initially; to begin with. (Compare

this with in the second place.) In the

first place, you don’t have enough money

to buy one. In the second place, you don’t

need one. In the first instance, I don’t

have the time. In the second instance, I’m

not interested.

in the forefront (of something) Go to at the

forefront (of something).

in the gutter [for a person to be] in a low

state; depraved. (Also literal. In can be re-

placed with into. See the note at in a bind

and the examples below.) You had bet-

ter straighten out your life, or you’ll end

in the gutter. His bad habits put him

into the gutter.

in the hole in debt. (Informal. In can be

replaced with into with go. See in a bind

and the examples.) I’m $200 in the hole.

Our finances end in the hole every

month. We went into the hole on that

deal.

in the hot seat Go to on the hot seat.

in the interest of someone or something as an

advantage or benefit to someone or

something; in order to advance or im-

prove someone or something. (Formal.)

In the interest of health, people are

asked not to smoke. The police impris-

oned the suspects in the interest of public

safety.

in the interim (between things) in the

meantime; in the time between the end-

ing of something and the beginning of

something else. In the interim between

her morning and afternoon classes, Susan

rushed home to get a book she had forgot-

ten. My favorite show starts in five min-

utes, but I’ll talk to you in the interim.

in their entirety Go to in its entirety.

in the know knowledgeable. (Informal. In

can be replaced with into. See in a bind

and the examples below.) Let’s ask Bob.

He’s in the know. I have no knowledge

of how to work this machine. I think I can

get into the know very quickly, though.

in the lap of luxury in luxurious sur-

roundings. (See the explanation at in a

bind and the examples below.)

lives in the lap of luxury because his fam-

ily is very wealthy. When I retire, I’d like

to live in the lap of luxury.

in the last analysis Go to in the final

analysis.

in the laundry with the clothes that are

waiting to be washed. Is my blue shirt

clean or is it in the laundry? All my socks

are in the laundry. What shall I do?

in the limelight and in the spotlight at

the center of attention. (In can be re-

placed with into. See the note at in a bind

and the examples. Limelight refers to an

obsolete type of spotlight, and the word

occurs only in this phrase.) John will

do almost anything to get himself into the

limelight. I love being in the spotlight.

All elected officials spend a lot of time

in the limelight.

in the line of duty as part of the expected

(military or police) duties. When sol-

diers fight people in a war, it’s in the line

of duty. Police officers have to do things

they may not like in the line of duty.

in the long run over a long period of time;

ultimately. (Compare this with in the

short run.) We’d be better off in the long

run buying one instead of renting one.

In the long run, we’d be happier in the

South.

in the mainstream (of something) follow-

ing the current trends or styles that are

popular or are considered normal. Bob

is too old-fashioned to be in the main-

stream of modern living. Max likes to

make fun of people in the mainstream.

in the market (for something) wanting to

buy something. I’m in the market for

a video recorder. If you have a boat for

sale, we’re in the market.

in the meantime the period of time be-

tween two things; the period of time be-

tween now and when something is sup-

posed to happen. The movie starts at

6:00. In the meantime, let’s eat dinner.

My f light was at 8:00. In the meantime, I

played solitaire.

in the middle of nowhere in a very re-

mote place. (Informal. In can be replaced

with into. See in a bind and the examples

below.) To get to my house, you have to

drive into the middle of nowhere. We

found a nice place to eat, but it’s out in the

middle of nowhere.

in the money 1. wealthy. (Informal. See

also on the money.) John is really in the

money. He’s worth millions. If I am ever

in the money, I’ll be generous. 2. in the

winning position in a race or contest.

(Refers to winning the prize money.)

I knew when Jane came around the final

turn that she was in the money.

horses coming in first, second, and third

are said to be in the money.

in the mood to do something Go to in the

mood for something.

in the near future in the time immediately

ahead. (In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) I don’t plan to go to Florida in the

near future. Today’s prices won’t extend

into the near future. What do you in-

tend to do in the near future?

in the neighborhood of something Go to

(somewhere) in the neighborhood of

something.

in the nick of time Go to in the (very) nick

of time.

in the nude in a state of nudity. Bill says

he sleeps in the nude. All the little boys

swam in the nude in the creek.

in the offing happening at some time in

the future. (See the note at in a bind and

the examples below.) There is a big in-

vestigation in the offing, but I don’t know

when. It’s hard to tell what’s in the off-

ing if you don’t keep track of things.

in the open in the outdoors; in an area that

is not closed in. John’s bike was stolen

because he left it out in the open. Mary

loves gardening because she loves to be in

the open.

in the pink (of condition) in very good

health; in very good condition, physically

and emotionally. (Informal. In can be re-

placed with into. See in a bind and the ex-

amples below.) The garden is lovely. All

the f lowers are in the pink of condition.

Jane has to exercise hard to get into the

pink of condition. I’d like to be in the

pink, but I don’t have the time.

in the public eye publicly; visible to all;

conspicuous. (In can be replaced with

into. See the note at in a bind and the ex-

amples below.) Elected officials find

themselves constantly in the public eye.

The mayor made it a practice to get into

the public eye as much as possible.

in the raw Go to in the altogether.

in the rear located in the space or area be-

hind someone or something.

waiter told me that the bathrooms were in

the rear. All deliveries must be made in

the rear.

in the red in debt. (Compare this with in

the black and out of the red. In can be

replaced with into. See the note at in a

bind and the examples below.) My ac-

counts are in the red at the end of every

month. It’s easy to get into the red if you

don’t pay close attention to the amount of

money you spend.

in there pitching trying very hard. (Infor-

mal.) Bob is always in there pitching.

Just stay in there pitching. You’ll make

some progress eventually.

in the right place at the right time in

the location where something is to hap-

pen, exactly when it happens. (Usually

about something good.) I got a good

deal on a car because I was in the right

place at the right time. Unless you are

in the right place at the right time, you

won’t get a chance to meet a movie star.

in the running in competition; competing

and having a chance to win. (Compare

this with out of the running. In can be

replaced with into. See the note at in a

bind and the examples below.) Is Tom

still in the running? Does he still have a

chance to be elected? I’m glad I didn’t

get into the running.

in the same boat (as someone) in the same

situation; having the same problem. (In

can be replaced with into. See the expla-

nation at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) TOM: I’m broke. Can you lend me

twenty dollars? BILL: Sorry. I’m in the

same boat. Jane and Mary are both in

the same boat. They have been called for

jury duty.  I am in the same boat as

Mary.

in the same breath [stated or said] almost

at the same time. He told me I was lazy,

but then in the same breath he said I was

doing a good job. The teacher said that

the students were working hard and, in the

same breath, that they were not working

hard enough.

in the second place secondly; in addition.

(Usually said after one has said in the first

place.) In the first place, you don’t have

enough money to buy one. In the second

place, you don’t need one. In the first

place, I don’t have the time. In the second

place, I’m not interested.

in the short run for the immediate future.

(Compare this with in the long run.) In

the short run, we’d be better off saving our money

We decided to rent an apart-

ment in the short run. We can buy a house

later.

in the spotlight Go to in the limelight.

in the swim of things involved in or par-

ticipating in events or happenings. (The

in can be replaced with into. See the ex-

planation at in a bind and the examples.

The opposite of out of the swim of

things.) I’ve been ill, but soon I’ll be

back in the swim of things. I can’t wait

to settle down and get into the swim of

things.

in the trust of someone under the respon-

sibility or in the care of someone. The

state placed the orphan in the trust of the

foster parents. Our bonds are left in the

trust of our broker.

in the twinkling of an eye very quickly.

(A biblical reference.) In the twinkling

of an eye, the deer had disappeared into

the forest. I gave Bill ten dollars and, in

the twinkling of an eye, he spent it.

in the unlikely event of something and in

the unlikely event that something happens

if something—which probably will not

happen—actually happens. (Compare

this with in the event of something.) In

the unlikely event of my getting the job, I’ll

have to buy a car to get there every day.

In the unlikely event of a fire, please

walk quickly to an exit.

in the unlikely event that something happens

Go to in the unlikely event of something.

in the (very) nick of time just in time; at

the last possible instant; just before it’s

too late. The doctor arrived in the nick

of time. The patient’s life was saved. I

reached the airport in the very nick of

time.

in the wake of something after something;

as a result of some event. (Refers to the

wake of a boat.) We had no place to live

in the wake of the fire. In the wake of

the storm, there were many broken tree

limbs.

I’ve seen nothing in the way of nice

weather in this part of the country.

in the wind about to happen. (Also literal.)

There are some major changes in the

wind. Expect these changes to happen

soon. There is something in the wind.

We’ll find out what it is soon.

in the works being prepared; being

planned; being done. (Informal.) There

are some new laws in the works that will

affect all of us. I have some ideas in the

works that you might be interested in.

in the world Go to on earth.

in the worst way very much. (Also literal.

Informal.) I want a new car in the worst

way. Bob wants to retire in the worst

way.

in the wrong on the wrong or illegal side

of an issue; guilty or in error. (Compare

this with in the right.) I felt she was in

the wrong, but the judge ruled in her fa-

vor. It’s hard to argue with Jane. She al-

ways believes that everyone else is in the

wrong.

in the wrong place at the wrong time

in the location where something is to

happen exactly when it happens. (Usually

about something bad.) I always get into

trouble. I’m just in the wrong place at the

wrong time. It isn’t my fault. I was just

in the wrong place at the wrong time.

in less

in less than no time very quickly. I’ll be

there in less than no time. Don’t worry.

This won’t take long. It’ll be over with in

less than no time.

in lieu of something in place of something;

instead of something. (The word lieu oc-

curs only in this phrase.) They gave me

roast beef in lieu of beefsteak. We gave

money to charity in lieu of sending f low-

ers to the funeral.

in light of something because of certain

knowledge; considering something. (As

if knowledge or enlightenment were like

light shone on ignorance.) In light of

what you have told us, I think we must

abandon the project.  In light of the

clerk’s rudeness, we didn’t return to that

shop.

in limbo 1. a region on the border of hell.

(In some Christian religions, there is a

limbo set aside for souls that do not go

to either heaven or hell. This sense is used

only in this religious context. In can be

replaced with into. See the note at in a

bind and the examples below.) The

baby’s soul was in limbo because she had

not been baptized.   Considering all

things, getting into limbo is probably bet-

ter than going to hell. 2. in a state of ne-

glect; in a state of oblivion; in an indefi-

nite state. We’ll have to leave the project

in limbo for a month or two. After I got

hit on the head, I was in limbo for about

ten minutes.

in line and on line standing and waiting

in a line of people. (On line is used typ-

ically by New Yorkers.) I’ve been in line

for an hour. Get in line if you want to

buy a ticket. We waited on line to see the

movie.

in line with something Go to in keeping

(with something).

in luck fortunate; lucky. You want a red

one? You’re in luck. There is one red one

left. I had an accident, but I was in luck.

It was not serious.

in many respects Go to in some respects.

in memory of someone to continue the good

memories of someone; for the honor of

a deceased person. Many streets were

renamed in memory of John F. Kennedy.

We planted roses in memory of my de-

ceased father.

in midair in a point high in the air.

planes crashed in midair. Extra fuel was

released from the plane in midair.

in mint condition in perfect condition.

(Refers to the perfect state of a coin that

has just been minted. In can be replaced

with into. See the note at in a bind and the

examples below.) This is a fine car. It

runs well and is in mint condition. We

went through a house in mint condition

and decided to buy it. We put our house

into mint condition before we sold it.

in name only nominally; not actual, only

by terminology. The president is head

of the country in name only. Congress

makes the laws. Mr. Smith is the boss

of the Smith Company in name only. Mrs.

Smith handles all the business affairs.

in need [of someone] requiring basic

things like food, clothing, and housing.

Please contribute some money for those

who are in need. The charity works with

old people who are in need.

in need of something [of someone or some

creature] requiring something. We are

in need of a new car. The company is

in need of a larger building to hold all its

employees.

in no mood to do something not to feel like

doing something; to wish not to do

something. I’m in no mood to cook din-

ner tonight. Mother is in no mood to put

up with our arguing.

in nothing flat in exactly no time at all.

(Informal.) Of course I can get there in

a hurry. I’ll be there in nothing f lat. We

covered the distance between New York

and Philadelphia in nothing f lat.

in no time (at all) very quickly. (Compare

this with in less than no time.) I’ll be

there in no time. It won’t take long. I’ll

be finished in no time at all.

in no uncertain terms in very specific and

direct language. (In can be replaced with

into. See the note at in a bind and the ex-

amples below.) I was so mad. I told her

in no uncertain terms to leave and never

come back. I told him in no uncertain

terms to stop it. He put his demands into

no uncertain terms, and then they listened

to him.

in one breath Go to (all) in one breath.

in one ear and out (of ) the other [for

something to be] ignored; [for something

to be] unheard or unheeded. (In can be

replaced with into. See the explanation at

in a bind and the examples. See also go

in one ear and out the other.) Bill just

doesn’t pay attention. Everything is in one

ear and out the other. I told Billy to be

home by dinnertime, but I am sure it’s just

in one ear and out the other.

in one fell swoop Go to at one fell swoop.

in one’s birthday suit naked; nude. (Infor-

mal. In the “clothes” in which one was

born. In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) I’ve heard that John sleeps in his

birthday suit. We used to go down to the

river and swim in our birthday suits.

You have to get into your birthday suit to

bathe.

in one’s blood Go to in the blood.

in one’s book according to one’s own opin-

ion. (Informal.) He’s okay in my book.

In my book, this is the best that money

can buy.

in one’s cups drunk. (Euphemistic.)

doesn’t make much sense when she’s in her

The speaker—who was in his

cups—could hardly be understood.

in one’s element in a natural or comfort-

able situation or environment. (Compare

this with out of one’s element. In can be

replaced with into. See the note at in a

bind and the examples below.) Sally is

in her element when she’s working with al-

gebra or calculus. Bob loves to work with

color and texture. When he’s painting, he’s

in his element. He’s most comfortable

when he can get into his element.

in one’s glory at one’s happiest or best.

When I go to the beach on vacation, I’m in

my glory. Sally is a good teacher. She’s

in her glory in the classroom.

in one’s mind’s eye in one’s mind. (Refers

to visualizing something in one’s mind.)

In my mind’s eye, I can see trouble

ahead. In her mind’s eye, she could see

a beautiful building beside the river. She

decided to design such a building.

in one’s opinion according to one’s belief or

judgment. In my opinion, that is a very

ugly picture. That isn’t a good idea in

my opinion.

in one’s (own) backyard [figuratively] very

close to one. (Also literal.) That kind

of thing is quite rare. Imagine it happen-

ing right in your backyard. You always

think of something like that happening to

someone else. You never expect to find it in

your own backyard.

in one’s (own) (best) interest(s) to one’s

advantage; as a benefit to oneself. It is

not in your own interests to share your

ideas with Jack. He will say that they are

his. Jane thought it was in the best in-

terest of her friend to tell his mother about

his illness.

in one’s prime and in its prime at one’s or

its peak or best time. (Compare this with

in the prime of life.) Our dog—which

is in its prime—is very active. The pro-

gram ended in its prime when we ran out

of money. I could work long hours when

I was in my prime.

in one’s right mind sane; rational and sen-

sible. (Often in the negative.) That was

a stupid thing to do. You’re not in your

right mind. You can’t be in your right

mind! That sounds crazy!

in one’s salad days in one’s youth. (Usu-

ally formal or literary. Comparing the

greenness of a salad with the greenness,

or freshness and inexperience, of youth.)

I recall the joys I experienced in the

warm summer air in my salad days. In

our salad days, we were apt to get into all

sorts of mischief on the weekends.

in one’s second childhood [of an adult] in-

terested in things or people that normally

interest children. My father bought

himself a toy train, and my mother said he

was in his second childhood. Whenever

I go to the river and throw stones, I feel as

if I’m in my second childhood.

in one’s spare time in one’s extra time; in

the time not reserved for doing some-

thing else. I write novels in my spare

time. I’ll try to paint the house in my

spare time.

in one’s Sunday best in one’s best Sunday

clothes; in the clothes one wears to

church. (Folksy. See also Sunday-go-to-

meeting clothes. In can be replaced with

into. See the note at in a bind and the ex-

amples below.) All the children were

dressed up in their Sunday best. I like

to be in my Sunday best whenever I go out.

Let’s get into our Sunday best and go out

for dinner.

in on the kill and in at the kill present

at the end of some activity, usually an ac-

tivity with negative results. (Refers to be-

ing present when a hunted animal is put

to death. Informal when used about any

other activity.) Congress was due to de-

feat the bill, and I went to Washington so

I could be in on the kill. The judge will

sentence the criminal today, and I’m going

to be in at the kill.

in order to do something for the purpose of

doing something; as a means of doing

something. I went to college in order to

further my education. I gave John three

dollars in order to buy lunch.

in other words said in another, simpler

way. BOB: Cease! Desist! BILL: In other

words, you want me to stop? Our cash

f low is negative, and our assets are worth-

less. In other words, we are broke.

in over one’s head having more difficul-

ties than one can manage. (Informal. As

if being in water that is too deep. See also

in deep; in deep water.) Calculus is

very hard for me. I’m in over my head.

Ann is too busy. She’s really in over her

head.

in park [of an automobile transmission]

having the gears locked so the automo-

bile cannot move. The driver stopped

the car and placed it in park. You have

to be in park in order to start this car.

in part partly; to a lesser degree or extent.

I was not there, in part because of my

disagreement about the purpose of the

meeting. I also had a previous appoint-

ment. I hope to win, in part because I

want the prize money.

in particular specifically; especially. I’m

not going anywhere in particular. Of the

three ideas, there is one I like in particular.

in passing casually; as an aside. (See also

mention someone or something in passing.)

I just heard your name in passing. I

didn’t hear more than that. The lecturer

referred to George Washington in passing.

in pencil written or signed with a pencil.

Why did you write your report in pen-

cil? You can’t sign a check in pencil!

in place 1. in (someone’s or something’s)

proper place or location. (See also out of

place. In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) The maid came into the room and

put everything into place. It’s good to see

everything in place again. 2. proper.

Your remark was not in place. The pre-

sentation was quite in place and nicely

done.

in place of someone or something instead of

someone or something. John went in

place of Mary.  We had vegetables in

place of meat.

in plain English Go to in plain language.

in plain language and in plain English in

simple, clear, and straightforward lan-

guage. (In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) That’s too confusing. Please say it

again in plain English. Tell me again in

plain language. Please put it into plain

language.

in poor taste Go to in bad taste.

in practice 1. in an application (of a prin-

ciple, etc.); in the actual doing of some-

thing. Our policy is to be very particu-

lar, but in practice we don’t care that

much. The instructions say not to set

it too high. In practice I always set it as

high as possible. 2. well-rehearsed; well-

practiced; well-exercised. The swim-

mer was not in practice and almost

drowned. I play the piano for a living,

and I have to keep in practice.

in progress happening now; taking place

at this time. You can’t go into that room.

There is a meeting in progress. Please

tell me about the work you have in

progress.

in proportion and out of proportion

showing the right or wrong proportion

relative to something else. That man’s

large head is out of proportion to his small

body. The cartoonist drew the dog in

proportion to its surroundings.

in public in a place or way so that other

people can see or know about something.

It’s illegal to walk naked in public.

John always tries to embarrass me when-

ever we’re in public.

in pursuit of something chasing after some-

thing. Bill spends most of his time in

pursuit of money. Every year Bob goes

into the countryside in pursuit of

butterf lies.

in quest of someone or something and in

search of someone or something seeking or

hunting something; trying to find some-

thing. They went into town in quest of

a reasonably priced restaurant. Monday

morning I’ll go out in search of a job.

in rags [dressing] in worn-out and torn

clothing. Oh, look at my clothing. I can’t

go to the party in rags! I think the new

casual fashions make you look as if you’re

in rags.

in reality viewing things realistically;

really. Jane dreamed it was snowing, but

in reality, it was very warm. John looks

happy, but in reality, he is miserable.

in receipt of something in a state of having

received something. We are in receipt

of your letter of request. When we are

in receipt of your check for the full balance,

we will mark your bill as paid.

in remission [of a serious disease] not as

bad or seeming to be getting better.

While the disease was in remission, John

got to leave the hospital. The doctor said

my cancer was in remission.

in retrospect and in hindsight reconsid-

ering the past with the knowledge one

now has. In retrospect, I would have

gone to a better college. David realized,

in hindsight, that he should have finished

school.

in return for (someone or something) by way

of giving something back; as a way of

paying someone back for something; as

part of an exchange. I helped Tom yes-

terday, and he helped me in return for my

efforts.  I paid $20 and received four

tickets in return.

in round figures Go to in round numbers.

in round numbers and in round figures

as an estimated number; a figure that has

been rounded off. (In can be replaced

with into. See the note at in a bind and

the examples below.) Please tell me in

round numbers what it’ll cost. I don’t

need the exact amount. Just give it to me

in round figures.

in ruin a state of having been destroyed.

The enemy army left the cities they at-

tacked in ruin. The crops laid in ruin af-

ter the f lood.

in session [of a court, congress, or other

organization] operating or functioning.

Smoking is forbidden while the meet-

ing is in session. The spectators must re-

main quiet while court is in session.

in seventh heaven in a very happy state.

Ann was really in seventh heaven when

she got a car of her own. I’d be in sev-

enth heaven if I had a million dollars.

in shambles in a messy state; destroyed.

After the earthquake, the town lay in

shambles. The TV set was in shambles

after John tried to fix it.

in shape Go to in condition.

in short stated briefly. At the end of the

financial report, the board president said,

“In short, we are okay.” My remarks, in

short, indicate that we are in good finan-

cial shape.

in short order very quickly. I can

straighten out this mess in short order.

The people came in and cleaned the place

up in short order.

in short supply scarce. (In can be replaced

with into. See the note at in a bind and

the examples below.) Fresh vegetables

are in short supply in the winter. Yel-

low cars are in short supply because every-

one likes them and buys them. At this

time of the year, fresh vegetables go into

short supply.

in care

in care of someone [to be delivered to some-

one] through someone or by way of

someone. (Indicates that mail is to be de-

livered to a person at some other person’s

address.) Bill Jones is living at his fa-

ther’s house. Address the letter to Bill in

care of Mr. John Jones. Bill said, “Please

send me my mail in care of my father at

his address.”

in case in the event (that). What do we

do in case the building catches fire? We

should close the windows just in case it

rains.

in case of something in the event of some-

thing. (Compare this with in the case of

someone or something; in case something hap-

pens.) Please leave the building at once

in case of fire. Please take your raincoat

in case of rain.

in character typical of someone’s behav-

ior. For Tom to shout that way wasn’t

at all in character. He’s usually quite pleas-

ant. It was quite in character for Sally

to walk away angry.

in clover with good fortune; in a very good

situation, especially financially. (Slang.)

If I get this contract, I’ll be in clover for

the rest of my life.  I have very little

money saved, so when I retire I won’t ex-

actly be in clover.

in cold blood without feeling; with cruel

intent. (Informal or slang. Frequently

said of a crime, especially murder.)

The killer walked up and shot the woman

in cold blood. How insulting! For a per-

son to say something like that in cold blood

is just horrible.

in cold storage stored away for future use;

in an out-of-the-way place. (Also literal.)

I have had this special gift in cold stor-

age for an occasion such as this. Todd

had been keeping himself in cold storage,

trying to study for his exams.

in concert (with someone) in cooperation

with someone; with the aid of someone.

Mrs. Smith planned the party in concert

with her sister. In concert they planned

a lovely event.

in condition and in shape in good health;

strong and healthy. (Used only with peo-

ple. Compare this with in good shape. In

can be replaced with into. See the note

at in a bind and the examples below.)

Bob exercises frequently, so he’s in condi-

tion.  If I were in shape, I could run

faster and farther. I’m not healthy. I

have to try to get into shape.

in consequence (of something) as a result of

something; because of something. In

consequence of the storm, there was no

electricity.  The wind blew down the

wires. In consequence, we had no

electricity.

in contempt (of court) disrespect for a

judge or for courtroom procedures.

The bailiff ejected the lawyer who was held

in contempt. The judge found the juror

in contempt of court when she screamed at

the attorney.

in creation Go to on earth.

in custody of someone or something and in

someone’s or something’s custody the condi-

tion of being kept guarded by someone

or some group. The suspect was in the

sheriff ’s custody awaiting a trial. The

prisoner is in the custody of the state.

in debt having debts; having much debt;

owing money. Mary is deeply in debt.

I am in debt to the bank for my car loan.

in deep 1. deeply involved. John and

Mary have been seeing each other for

months now. They are really in deep.

Bill loves the theater. He’s definitely in

deep. He tries out for all the plays and gets

into many of them. 2. deeply in debt.

Bill owes a lot of money to the bank. He’s

really in deep. John is in deep with his

stockbroker.

in deep water in a dangerous or vulnera-

ble situation; in a serious situation; in

trouble. (Refers to swimming in or falling

into water that is over one’s head. See also

go off the deep end. In can be replaced

with into. See the note at in a bind and

the examples below.) John is having

trouble with his taxes. He’s in deep water.

Bill is in deep water in algebra class. He’s

almost failing. He really got himself into

deep water.

in denial in a state of refusing to believe

something that is true. Mary was in de-

nial about her illness and refused treat-

ment. Tom doesn’t think he’s an alco-

holic because he’s still in denial.

in disguise hidden behind a disguise; look-

ing like something else. Santa Claus

was really the little child’s father in dis-

What I thought was terrible

turned out to be a blessing in disguise!

in drag in the clothing of the opposite sex.

(Usually refers to a man wearing women’s

clothing.) The actor played the woman’s

part in drag. We all went to the costume

party dressed in drag.

in due course and in due time; in good

time; in the course of time; in time

in a normal or expected amount of time.

The roses will bloom in due course.

The vice president will become president in

due course. I’ll retire in due time. Just

wait, my dear. All in good time. It’ll all

work out in the course of time. In time,

things will improve.

in due time Go to in due course.

in Dutch (with someone) in trouble with

someone. (Informal. In can be replaced

with into. See in a bind and the examples

below.) I’m in Dutch with my parents

for my low grades. You’re in Dutch quite

a bit. Don’t get into Dutch with anyone.

in essence basically; essentially.

lots of detailed advice for you, but in

essence, I want you to do the best you can.

In essence, lightning is just a giant spark

of electricity.

in existence now existing; currently and

actually being. The tiger may not be in

existence in a few decades. All the oil in

existence will not last the world for another

century.

in fact in reality; really; actually. I’m over

forty. In fact, I’m forty-six. This is a very

good computer. In fact, it’s the best.

in fashion fitting in well with the clothing

that has been designed for a particular

season of a particular year; fashionable.

I understand that long skirts are in fash-

ion this year. I always want to find out

what styles are in fashion so I can avoid

them.

in favor of someone Go to in someone’s favor.

in favor (of someone or something) approving,

supporting, or endorsing someone or

something. (See also in someone’s favor.)

Are you in favor of lower taxes? Of

course, I’m in favor.

in fine feather in good humor; in good

health. (In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) Hello, John. You appear to be in

fine feather.  Of course I’m in fine

feather. I get lots of sleep. Good food and

lots of sleep put me into fine feather.

in flux and in a (constant) state of flux

in constant change; changing.

in force in a very large group. (See also out

in force.) The entire group arrived in

force. The mosquitoes will attack in force

this evening.

in for something due to receive a surprise;

due to receive punishment. (When the

something is it, the it usually means pun-

ishment.) I hope I’m not in for any sur-

prises when I get home. Tommy, you

broke my baseball bat. You’re really in for

it!

in full swing in progress; operating or run-

ning without restraint. (In can be re-

placed with into. See the note at in a bind

and the examples below.) We can’t

leave now! The party is in full swing.

Our program to help the starving people

is in full swing. You should see results soon.

Just wait until our project gets into full

swing.

in general referring to the entire class be-

ing discussed; speaking of the entire

range of possibilities; in most situations

or circumstances. I like vegetables in

general, but not beets. In general, I pre-

fer a hotel room on a lower f loor, but will

take a higher room if it’s special.

in good condition Go to in good shape.

in good faith with good and honest intent;

with sincerity. (Compare this with in bad

faith.) We are convinced you were act-

ing in good faith, even though you made

a serious error. I think you didn’t sign

the contract in good faith. You never in-

tended to carry out our agreement.

in good hands in the safe, competent care

of someone. Don’t worry. Your children

are in good hands. Sally is a good baby-

Your car is in good hands. My

mechanics are factory-trained.

in good shape and in good condition

physically and functionally sound and

sturdy. (Used for both people and things.

Compare this with in condition. In can be

replaced with into. See the note at in a

bind and the examples below.) This car

isn’t in good shape. I’d like to have one

that’s in better condition. Mary is in

good condition. She works hard to keep

healthy. You have to make an effort to

get into good shape.

in good spirits happy and cheerful; posi-

tive and looking toward the future, de-

spite unhappy circumstances. The pa-

tient is in good spirits and that will speed

her recovery. Tom wasn’t in very good

spirits after he heard the bad news.

in good time 1. quickly; in a short amount

of time. We traveled from Mexico to

Texas in good time. I’ve never been able

to make that trip in good time. 2. Go to

in due course.

in good (with someone) in someone’s favor;

to have pull with someone. (Compare this

with in bad (with someone).) I can ask

Mary a favor. I’m in good with her.

Well, I’m not in good with her. I don’t

know Mary. How do I go about getting in

good?

in great demand wanted by many people;

eagerly sought after. Liz is in great de-

mand as a singer. Mary’s paintings are

in great demand.

in great haste very fast; in a big hurry.

John always did his homework in great

haste.  Why not take time and do it

right? Don’t do everything in great haste.

in high dudgeon feeling or exhibiting great

resentment; taking great offense at some-

thing. (Often with leave.)  After the

rude remarks, the person who was insulted

left in high dudgeon. Dennis strode from

the room in high dudgeon, and we knew

he would get his revenge eventually.

in high gear very fast and active. (Also lit-

eral. Informal. In can be replaced with

into. See the note at in a bind and the ex-

amples below.) Don’t leave now. The

party is just now in high gear. When

Jane is in high gear, she’s a superb athlete.

When Jane moved into high gear, I knew

she’d win the race.

in hindsight Go to in retrospect.

in hock in debt. After buying the luxury

car, Bob was in hock for years.  I am

deeply in hock and have to pay off my

debts.

in honor of someone or something showing re-

spect or admiration for someone or

something. Our club gave a party in

honor of the club’s president. I wrote a

poem in honor of John and Mary’s

marriage.

in hopes of something expecting something.

(Also with high, as in the example.) I

was in hopes of getting there early. We

are in high hopes that John and Mary will

have a girl.

in horror with intense shock or disgust.

Mike stepped back from the rattlesnake in

The jogger recoiled in horror

when she came upon a body in the park.

in hot water in trouble. (Slang. In can be

replaced with into. See in a bind and the

examples below.) John got himself into

in its entirety and in their entirety in a

state of completeness. I watched the

basketball game in its entirety.  My

friends and I ate the two large pizzas in

their entirety.

in its prime Go to in one’s prime.

in jeopardy in danger; at risk; at hazard.

John puts himself in jeopardy every time

he goes skydiving.  I was in jeopardy

when my car broke down on the deserted

road.

in (just) a minute Go to in (just) a second.

in (just) a second and in (just) a minute

in a very short period of time. I’ll be

there in a second. I’ll be with you in just

a minute. I’m on the phone.

in keeping (with something) and in line

with something in accord or harmony with

something; following the rules of some-

thing. In keeping with your instructions,

I’ve canceled your order.  I’m disap-

pointed with your behavior. It really wasn’t

in keeping. It was not in line with the

kind of behavior we expect here.

in kind 1. in goods rather than in money.

The country doctor was usually paid in

kind. He accepted two pigs as payment for

an operation. Do you have to pay tax on

payments made in kind? 2. similarly; [giv-

ing] something similar to what was re-

ceived. John punched Bill, and Bill gave

it back in kind. She spoke rudely to me,

so I spoke to her in kind.

in labor [of a woman] experiencing the

pains and exertion of childbirth. Su-

san was in labor for nearly eight hours.

As soon as she had been in labor for an

hour, she went to the hospital.

in league (with someone) in cooperation

with someone; in a conspiracy with

someone. The mayor is in league with

the city treasurer. They are misusing public

money. Those two have been in league

for years.

I

I didn’t catch your name. No one told me

your name [or I have forgotten it]. (A

carrying on of a conversation that has

just started—if one hasn’t been intro-

duced properly—or simply finding out

someone’s name.) I’m sorry, but I did-

n’t catch your name. I’m Wally Ott. I

didn’t catch your name.

I just have this feeling I have a premoni-

tion about this; I have a strange feeling

about this. I really don’t know that

something is wrong. I just have this feeling.

I just have this feeling that she is not

telling us the truth.

if looks could kill <a catch phrase said

when someone makes a frown at some-

one or when someone casts a dirty look.>

Did you see the way she looked at me?

If looks could kill.... If looks could kill.

What a nasty glare.

if not if that is not [the case]; if that is not

so. If not cleaned, the clock will stop

running. He should be here at noon. If

not, we will eat without him.

if push comes to shove if the situation

really becomes difficult; if matters esca-

late into a strong argument. (See also

when push comes to shove.) If push

comes to shove, I am ready to be more ag-

gressive. If push comes to shove, I am

sure that our senator will help out.

if so if that is [the case]; if that is so.

might be late. If so, we will eat without her.

She is supposed to be all right. If so, we

have nothing to worry about.

if worst comes to worst in the worst pos-

sible situation; if things really get bad.

If worst comes to worst, we’ll hire some-

one to help you. If worst comes to worst,

I’ll have to borrow some money.

ill at ease uneasy; anxious. I feel ill at

ease about the interview. You look ill at

ease. Please relax.

ill-disposed to doing something not friendly;

not favorable; not well disposed. I am

ill-disposed to doing hard labor. The po-

lice chief was ill-disposed to discussing the

details of the case to the news reporters.

I’ll drink to that! I agree with that! (In-

formal. As if joining in with drinks fol-

lowing a toast.) Great idea! I’ll drink

to that.  That’s a fine suggestion. I’ll

drink to that.

ill-gotten gains money or other posses-

sions acquired in a dishonest or illegal

fashion. Fred cheated at cards and is

now living on his ill-gotten gains. Mary

is also enjoying her ill-gotten gains. She de-

ceived an old lady into leaving her money

in her will.

I’ll (try to) catch you later. I will try to

talk with you or meet with you at some

future time. (Informal.) I don’t have

time to talk to you now. I’ll try to catch you

later. Hi, I’m leaving. I’ll catch you later.

ill will hostile feelings or intentions. I

hope you do not have any ill will toward

me because of our argument. Dave felt

such ill will toward his family that he left

his fortune to his best friend.

(I’m) sorry. <an expression used to excuse

oneself politely or apologize, especially

when one has collided with someone,

when one has offended someone, or to

ask someone to repeat what has been

said.> “I’m sorry,” I said to the woman

I bumped into. I’m sorry, what did you

say? I couldn’t hear you.

I’m terrible at names. and I’m awful at

names. I can’t seem to remember any-

one’s name. (Said as an apology to some-

one whose name you have forgotten.)

I’m terrible at names. Please tell me yours

again. Haven’t we met already? I’m aw-

ful at names.

Imagine that! Is that so?; How interesting

and strange! (Said when one hears some-

thing that is interesting. Often sarcastic.)

Fell out of bed. Imagine that! She’s

late again. Imagine that!

implicate someone (in something) to suggest

that someone is involved in something.

The mayor was implicated in the mur-

der. Jane’s essay implicated her teacher

in the cheating scandal.

in a bad mood sad; depressed; grouchy;

with low spirits. He’s in a bad mood.

He may yell at you. Please try to cheer

me up. I’m in a bad mood.

in a bad way in a critical or bad state. (Can

refer to health, finances, mood, etc.)

Mr. Smith is in a bad way. He may have

to go to the hospital. My bank account

is in a bad way. It needs some help from a

millionaire. My life is in a bad way, and

I’m depressed about it.

in a bind and in a jam in a tight or diffi-

cult situation; stuck on a problem. (Note:

In can be replaced with into to show

movement toward or into the state de-

scribed by bind or jam. Especially get

into. See the examples below.) I’m in

a bind. I owe a lot of money. Whenever

I get into a jam, I ask my supervisor for

help. When things get busy around here,

we get in a bind. We could use another

helper.

in accordance with something in agreement

with; in conformity with. In accor-

dance with our discussion, I have prepared

a contract. I did this in accordance with

your request.

in a (constant) state of flux Go to in flux.

in a coon’s age and in a month of Sun-

days in a very long time. (Folksy. Usually

negative. The coon is a raccoon.) How

are you? I haven’t seen you in a coon’s age.

I haven’t had a piece of apple pie this

good in a coon’s age. John hasn’t seen a

movie in a month of Sundays.

in a dead heat [finishing a race] at exactly

the same time; tied. The two horses fin-

ished the race in a dead heat.  They

ended the contest in a dead heat.

in advance [of something given, paid, or

provided] before it is due. The bill is-

n’t due for a month, but I paid it in ad-

vance. I want my pay in advance.

in a family way and in the family way

pregnant. (Informal.) I’ve heard that

Mrs. Smith is in a family way. Our dog

is in the family way.

in a fix in a bad situation. (Informal. In can

be replaced with into. See in a bind and

the examples below.) I really got my-

self into a fix. I owe a lot of money on my

taxes. John is in a fix because he lost his

wallet. John got into a fix.

in a flash quickly; immediately. (Infor-

mal.) I’ll be there in a f lash. It hap-

pened in a f lash. Suddenly my wallet was

gone.

in a fog preoccupied; not paying attention

to what is going on around one; not alert.

Jane always seems to be in a fog.

When I get up, I’m in a fog for an hour.

in a fool’s paradise in a condition of

seeming happiness that will not last be-

cause it is based on false assumptions.

They think they can live on love alone, but

they are living in a fool’s paradise. The

inhabitants of the island feel politically se-

cure, but they are living in a fool’s paradise.

They could be invaded at any time.

in agreement in harmony; agreeing.

business partners were never in agreement

about marketing strategies. Because the

partners were not in agreement, the busi-

ness failed.

in a haze in a state of confusion.

being hit in the head by the bat, Bill was

in a haze. After surgery, I was in a haze

until the anesthetic wore off.

in a jam Go to in a bind.

in a jiffy very fast; very soon. (Slang.)

Just wait a minute. I’ll be there in a jiffy.

I’ll be finished in a jiffy.

in a lather flustered; excited and agitated.

(In can be replaced with into. See in a

bind and the examples below.)

calm down. Don’t be in a lather. I al-

ways get in a lather when I’m late. I get

into a lather easily.

in a little bit in a small amount of time;

soon. I will be there in a little bit. Please

wait. In a little bit, we can go outside

and play.

in (all) good conscience having good mo-

tives; displaying motives that will not re-

sult in a guilty conscience. In all good

conscience, I could not recommend that

you buy this car. In good conscience, she

could not accept the reward. She had only

been acting as any good citizen should.

in all one’s born days ever; in all one’s life.

(Folksy.) I’ve never been so angry in all

my born days. Have you ever heard such

a thing in all your born days?

in all probability very likely; almost cer-

tainly. He’ll be here on time in all prob-

ability. In all probability, they’ll finish

the work today.

in a mad rush in a hurry; frantically.

ran around all day today in a mad rush,

looking for a present for Bill. Why are

you always in a mad rush?

in and of itself itself; considering it alone.

The idea in and of itself is not bad, but

the side issues introduce many difficulties.

Her action, in and of itself, caused us no

problem.

in any case and in any event no matter

what happens. I intend to be home by

supper time, but in any case by eight

o’clock. In any event, I’ll see you this

evening.

in any event Go to in any case.

in a pinch in a situation where there is but

one choice; in a situation where there is

not time to locate another choice.

don’t care for this kind of paint, but it will

do in a pinch. Tom is not the best choice

around, but he will have to do in a pinch.

in a (pretty) pickle and in a real pickle

in a mess; in trouble. (Informal. In can

be replaced with into. See the note at in

a bind and the examples below.)

has gotten himself into a pickle. He has

two dates for the party. Now we are in

a real pickle. We are out of gas.

in a real pickle Go to in a (pretty) pickle.

in arrears overdue; late, especially in ref-

erence to bills and money. This bill is

three months in arrears. It must be paid

immediately. I was in arrears on my car

payments, so the bank threatened to take

my car away.

in a rut Go to (stuck) in a rut.

in a sense in a way; sort of. In a sense,

cars make life better. But, in a sense,

they also make life worse.

in a snit in a fit of anger or irritation.

(Slang. In can be replaced with into. See

the note at in a bind and the examples be-

low.) Mrs. Smith threw on her coat and

left in a snit. Here comes John—in a snit

again—as usual. Don’t get into a snit.

in a split second in just an instant. (In-

formal.) The lightning struck, and in a

split second the house burst into f lames.

Just wait. I’ll be there in a split second.

in a stage whisper in a loud whisper that

everyone can hear. John said in a stage

whisper, “This play is boring.” “When

do we eat?” asked Billy in a stage whisper.

in a stupor in a dazed condition; in a con-

dition in which one cannot concentrate

or think. The drunk driver walked away

from the car accident in a stupor. In the

morning, Mary remains in a stupor until

she drinks coffee.

in a tizzy in an excited and confused con-

dition. John is in a tizzy because we’re

an hour late. Mary was in a tizzy when

she couldn’t find her keys.

in at the kill Go to in on the kill.

in a vicious circle in a situation in which

the solution of one problem leads to a

second problem, and the solution of the

second problem brings back the first

problem, etc. (In can be replaced with

into. See the note at in a bind and the ex-

amples below.) Life is so strange. I seem

to be in a vicious circle most of the time.

I put lemon in my tea to make it sour,

then sugar to make it sweet. I’m in a vi-

cious circle. Don’t let your life get into

a vicious circle.

in awe (of someone or something) fearful and

respectful of someone or something.

Everyone in the country was in awe of the

king and queen. I love my new car. In

fact, I’m in awe of it. When I first saw

the house, I just stood there in awe.

in a word said simply; concisely said.

Mrs. Smith is—in a word—haughty.

a word, the play f lopped.

in bad faith without sincerity; with bad or

dishonest intent; with duplicity. (Com-

pare this with in good faith.) It appears

that you acted in bad faith and didn’t live

up to the terms of our agreement. If you

do things in bad faith, you’ll get a bad

reputation.

in bad sorts in a bad humor; in a bad

mood. Bill is in bad sorts today. He’s

very grouchy. I try to be extra nice to

people when I’m in bad sorts.

in bad (with someone) having someone

against you; having gotten into trouble

with someone. (Informal. Compare this

with in good (with someone).) Sally is in

bad with her parents for failing algebra.

She’s really in bad. She has real trouble.

in behalf of someone and in someone’s be-

half; on behalf of someone; on someone’s

behalf; in someone’s name [doing some-

thing] as someone’s agent; [doing some-

thing] in place of someone; for the ben-

efit of someone. I’m writing in behalf

of Mr. Smith, who has applied for a job

with your company. I’m calling on be-

half of my client, who wishes to complain

about your actions. I’m calling in her

behalf. I’m acting on your behalf.

in between located in the middle of two

things, states, or possibilities. It’s not

hot or cold. It’s in between. A sandwich

consists of two slices of bread with some

other food in between.

in black and white official, in writing or

printing. (Said of something, such as an

agreement or a statement, which has

been recorded in writing. In can be re-

placed with into. See the note at in a bind

and the examples below.) I have it in

black and white that I’m entitled to three

weeks of vacation each year. It says right

here in black and white that oak trees

make acorns. Please put the agreement

into black and white.

in bloom with many flowers; at the peak of

blooming. The garden is beautiful when

it is in bloom. The roses are in bloom

and they smell so sweet!

in blossom with many flowers opening; in

bloom. The peonies are in blossom early

this spring. If the daffodils are in blos-

som, spring is on the way.

in brief briefly; concisely. The whole

story, in brief, is that Bob failed algebra be-

cause he did not study. Please tell me in

brief why you want this job.

in bulk in large quantities or amounts,

rather than smaller, more convenient

quantities or amounts. Jane always

bought office supplies in bulk to save

money. Dave purchased cereal in bulk

because his family used so much of it.

in cahoots (with someone) in conspiracy

with someone; in league with someone.

(Folksy.) The mayor is in cahoots with

the construction company that got the con-

tract for the new building. Those two

have been in cahoots before.