in advance 1. Beforehand, ahead of time. For example, He insisted on being paid half his fee in advance. 2. in advance of. In front of, as in The point man moved in advance of the squad. [Mid-1600s]
in a fix Also, in a pickle or spot. In a difficult or embarrassing situation, in a dilemma. For example, I was really in a fix when I missed the plane, or Lost and out of gas—how did we get in such a pickle? or John had lost all his money in the crap game—now he was in a spot. The first of these colloquial usages dates from the early 1800s; pickle in the sense of a mess or quandary, sometimes put as in a pretty pickle, dates from the 1500s; spot, also put as in a bad spot or tough spot, dates from the early 1900s. Also see HOT WATER; IN A BIND; IN DEEP, def. 2; IN THE SOUP; IN TROUBLE WITH; ON THE SPOT.
in a flash Also, in a jiffy or second or trice. Quickly, immediately. For example, I’ll be with you in a flash, or He said he’d be done in a jiffy, or I’ll be off the phone in a second, or I felt a drop or two, and in a trice there was a downpour. The first idiom alludes to a flash of lightning and dates from about 1800. The word jiffy, meaning “a short time,” is of uncertain origin and dates from the late 1700s (as does the idiom using it); a second, literally one-sixtieth of a minute, has been used vaguely to mean “a very short time” since the early 1800s; and trice originally meant “a single pull at something” and has been used figuratively since the 1500s.
in a flutter → See IN A DITHER.
in a fog Also, in a haze. Preoccupied, not paying attention; also, at a loss, confused. For example, After the accident he went about in a fog, even though he had not been injured, or Millie always seems to be in a haze; she never knows what’s going on. These expressions allude to fog or haze obscuring one’s view; the fog usage dates from about 1600, haze from about 1800.
in a good light Under favorable circumstances, as in They thought he’d make a wonderful mayor, but they’d only seen him in a good light, or The book portrayed their actions in a good light. Both this expression and its antonym, in a bad light, transfer physical light in which something can (or cannot) be seen clearly to figurative use. The literal terms date from the early 1500s.
in a hole → See IN A BIND.
in a huff In an offended manner, angrily, as in When he left out her name, she stalked out in a huff. This idiom transfers huff in the sense of a gust of wind to a burst of anger. [Late 1600s] Also see IN A SNIT.
in a jam → See IN A BIND.
in a lather Also, in a state. Agitated and anxious, as in Don’t get yourself in a lather over this, or She was in a state over the flight cancellation. The first term alludes to the frothy sweat of a horse, the second to an upset state of mind. [Early 1800s] For a synonym, see IN A STEW.
in all All together, considering everything, as in There are four cars in all, or They won ten games and lost two, doing very well in all. [Late 1300s] Also see ALL IN ALL.
in all one’s born days Ever, as in I’ve never seen so much snow, not in all my born days. This folksy colloquial usage literally means “since I was born.” [Mid-1700s]
in all probability Also, in all likelihood. Most likely, almost certainly. For example, In all probability we’ll be home for Christmas. This expression was first recorded in 1617, the variant in 1664.
in a manner of speaking In a way; so to speak. For example, He was, in a manner of speaking, asked to leave the group. [Late 1800s]
in and of itself Intrinsically, considered alone. For example, In and of itself the plan might work, but I doubt that it will be approved. It is also put simply as in itself, as in This account may be true in itself. [First half of 1600s]
in a nutshell Concisely, in a few words, as in Here’s our proposal—in a nutshell, we want to sell the business to you. This hyperbolic expression alludes to the Roman writer Pliny’s description of Homer’s Iliad being copied in so tiny a hand that it could fit in a nutshell. For a time it referred to anything compressed, but from the 1500s on it referred mainly to written or spoken words.
in any case Also, at all events; in any event. No matter what happens, certainly; also, whatever the fact is, anyway. For example, In any case, I plan to go, or Call me tomorrow, at all events, or He may not be getting a raise, but in any event his boss thinks highly of him. In any case dates from the second half of the 1800s, at all events from about 1700, and in any event from the 1900s. For an antonym, see IN NO CASE.
in a pig’s eye Under no condition, not at all, as in In a pig’s eye he’ll pay me back, or You think he’s competent? In a pig’s eye! This expression, a euphemism for in a pig’s ass, is generally used as a strong negative. [Slang; late 1800s]
in a pinch In an emergency, when hardpressed, as in This music isn’t what I would have chosen, but it will do in a pinch. This term dates from the late 1400s, when it was put as at a pinch (a usage still current in Britain); pinch alludes to straitened circumstances.
in arms → See BABE IN ARMS; UP IN ARMS.
in arrears Late or behind, especially in payment of money. For example, He’s been in arrears on his rent so often that he may be evicted. [First half of 1600s]
in a rut In a settled or established habit or course of action, especially a boring one. For example, We go to the seashore every summer—we’re in a rut, or After ten years at the same job she says she’s in a rut. This expression alludes to having a wheel stuck in a groove in the road. [Early 1800s]
in a sense Also, in some sense. Sort of, in some ways but not others. For example, In a sense our schools are the best in the state, but the test scores don’t always show that, or In some sense I agree with you, but not entirely. [Late 1500s] Also see IN A WAY.
inasmuch as Also, insomuch as. 1. Since, because of the fact that, as in Inasmuch as I have to go anyhow, I’ll pick up the book for you, or Insomuch as they are friends, we can seat them together. The first usage dates from the late 1300s, the second from the late 1400s. 2. Also, insofar as. To the extent or degree that, as in You will become a good pianist only inasmuch as you keep practicing, or He’s lost interest insomuch as he has stopped attending church altogether, or Insofar as this is a temporary measure, we can’t complain. [Late 1500s]
in a snit In a state of agitation or irritation, as in He is in a snit over the guest list. It is also put as get in or into a snit, as in She tends to get in a snit every time things don’t go her way. The origin of this expression is uncertain. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
in a state → See under IN A LATHER.
in a stew Agitated, alarmed, or anxious. For example, Mary was in a stew about how her cake was going to turn out. It is also put as get in or into a stew, as in Every Saturday the minister got in a stew about Sunday’s sermon. This expression transfers the mixture of meat and vegetables constituting a stew to overheated mixed emotions. [c. 1800]
in a tight corner Also, in a tight spot. → See under IN A BIND.
in a tizzy → See IN A DITHER.
in at the death Also, in at the finish or kill. Involved in or present at the end, especially a disastrous end but sometimes merely the climax of an important event. For example, He had a hand in their breakup, but he didn’t want to be in at the death, or They’ve done really well this year, and we want to be in at the kill. These expressions originally alluded to hunters and hounds being present at the death of a fox they had run to ground. [First half of 1700s]
in a walk → See under HANDS DOWN.
in a way To a certain extent, with reservations; also, in some respects. For example, In a way I like the new styles, or You’re right, in a way, but we have to consider the price. [Mid-1800s]
in awe of, be Also, stand in awe of. Respect and revere someone or something, experience a feeling of solemn wonder, as in All of us are in awe of his many achievements. This expression dates from about A.D. 1000 and originally meant “fear something or someone.” Later awe came to mean “dread mingled with respect,” and eventually it signified reverence alone.
in a while Also, after a while. After a period of tim
e, usually a moderately short time. For example, Go ahead, I’ll be along in a while, or After a while we turned off the television and went for a walk. [c. 1300]
in a word → See IN BRIEF.
in a world of one’s own → See IN ONE’S OWN WORLD.
in back of → See BACK OF.
in bad → See IN BAD WITH.
in bad faith With the intention of deceiving someone or doing harm, as in I’m sure they were acting in bad faith and never planned to pay us. This expression was first recorded in 1631. The antonym, in good faith, meaning “sincerely and honestly,” as in I signed that contract in good faith, dates from about 1350.
in bad with, be Be disliked; be out of favor. For example, She was afraid she would be in bad with her new supervisor. [Colloquial; c. 1900] Also see IN GOOD WITH.
in bed with In close association, especially when it is inappropriate; to collude with. For example, Everyone knows that this candidate is in bed with the unions. [First half of 1900s]
in behalf of Also, on behalf of. 1. For someone else, as someone’s agent or representative. For example, In behalf of the board, I want to thank you for your help, or Joan was speaking on behalf of the entire staff. [c. 1300] 2. For someone’s benefit or interest, as in He was collecting the dues in my behalf. [Late 1500s] Some authorities insist that in behalf of be used only to mean “for someone’s benefit” and on behalf of only to mean “as someone’s agent.” In practice, however, the terms are so often used interchangeably that this distinction no longer has a basis.
in between In an intermediate situation, as in My roommates disagreed and I was caught in between. [Late 1500s]
in between times During an intervening period, as in He has written several books, and in between times he teaches.
in black and white → See BLACK AND WHITE, def. 3.
in brief Also, in short; in a word. Concisely, in few words, to sum up. All three phrases usually precede or follow a summary statement, as in In brief, we didn’t get much out of his speech, or There was no agenda; in short, they could discuss whatever they wanted to, or The sun was shining, the sky was clear—in a word, it was a beautiful day. The first expression dates from the early 1400s; in short dates from the 1300s but the present usage dates from the 1700s; the hyperbolic in a word (since there is nearly always more than one word) dates from the late 1500s.
in bulk 1. Unpackaged, loose, as in It’s cheaper to buy rice in bulk. [Late 1600s] 2. In large amounts or volume, as in The ship was carrying wheat in bulk. [Mid-1700s]
in cahoots → See IN LEAGUE WITH.
in care of Through someone, by way of someone, as in I sent the gift in care of your parents. This phrase indicates that something is to be delivered to someone at someone else’s address. [Mid-1800s] Also see IN CHARGE, def. 3.
in case 1. Also, just in case. If it should happen that. For example, In case he doesn’t show up, we have a backup speaker. The variant also is used without a following clause to mean simply “as a precaution,” as in I took an umbrella just in case. [c. 1400] 2. in case of; in the event of. If there should happen to be. For example, Here is a number to call in case of an emergency, or In the event of a power failure, we’ll have to shift our plans. Similarly, in that case means “if that should happen,” as in You’re alone in the store? In that case I’ll bring your lunch. The first usage dates from the early 1700s,—the second (with event) from about 1600, and the third from the mid-1800s. Also see IN ANY CASE; IN NO CASE; IN THE CASE OF.
in cement Firmly settled or determined; unalterable. For example, Their policy on taxes was set in cement despite opposition. For a synonym, see CAST IN STONE.
inch → In addition to the idioms beginning with INCH, also see BY INCHES; EVERY INCH; GIVE AN INCH AND THEY’LL TAKE A MILE; WITHIN AN ACE (INCH) OF.
inch along → See under BY INCHES.
in character Consistent with someone’s general personality or behavior. For example, Her failure to answer the invitation was completely in character. This usage dates from the mid-1700s, as does the antonym, out of character, as in It was out of character for him to refuse the assignment.
in charge 1. In a position of leadership or supervision, as in Who’s in charge here? or He’s the agent in charge at the ticket counter. [Early 1500s] 2. in charge of. Having control over or responsibility for, as in You’re in charge of making the salad. [Late 1500s] 3. in the charge of; in the care of. Under someone’s care or supervision, as in We left the children in the charge of their grandparents. [Mid-1800s]
inch by inch → See BY INCHES.
in check Restrained from moving or acting; under control. For example, The first division held the enemy in check, or Mary kept her emotions in check. This term replaced at check and out of check, which date from the mid-1500s.
in chorus All together, in unison, as in The voters answered the legislators in chorus. This expression transfers group singing to simultaneous utterance of any kind. [c. 1800]
in circles → See GO AROUND (IN CIRCLES).
in circulation Also, into circulation. In business or social life, especially after a period of absence. For example, After a month in the hospital Bill was eager to get back in circulation. The antonym is out of circulation, as in Since we had twins we’ve been out of circulation, but we’re hoping to get out more often soon. These expressions, dating from the first half of the 1900s, employ circulation in the sense of “making the rounds among people,” a usage dating from the 1600s.
inclined to Tending or disposed toward, as in I’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt. [Mid-1300s]
in clover Prosperous, living well. For example, After we make our first million, we’ll be in clover. This expression alludes to cattle happily feeding on clover. Slightly different versions are like pigs in clover and rolling in clover. [c. 1700]
in cold blood In a purposely ruthless and unfeeling manner; as in The whole family was murdered in cold blood. This expression alludes to the notion that blood is the seat of emotion and is hot in passion and cold in calm. The term therefore means not “in the heat of passion,” but “in a calculated, deliberate manner.” [Late 1500s]
in cold storage In a state of abeyance or postponement. For example, We can’t consider these design changes now; let’s put them in cold storage for a year or so. This expression alludes to the literal storage of food, furs, or other objects in a refrigerated place. [Colloquial; late 1800s]
in commission → See under OUT OF COMMISSION.
in common Shared characteristics, as in One of the few things John and Mary have in common is a love of music. [Mid-1600s] 2. Held equally, in joint possession or use, as in This land is held in common by all the neighbors. [Late 1300s]
in concert Together, jointly, as in They worked in concert on the script, or When mind is in concert with body, one can accomplish a great deal. This expression uses concert in the sense of “an agreement of two or more persons.” [Early 1700s]
in condition Also, in good condition or shape; in shape. Physically fit; also, in a state of readiness. For example, I’ve got to get in condition before the next road race, or This project’s in good shape now, or Is this report in shape to show to the president? The first expression dates from the late 1700s; the use of shape for “a state of health or repair” dates from the mid-1800s. The antonyms of these expressions, out of condition and out of shape, date from the mid-1800s. For example, Their stock was out of condition and not suitable for selling, or I’m so out of shape that I can barely run a mile.
in confidence Also, in strict confidence. Privately, on condition that what is said will not be revealed. For example, The doctor told her in confidence that her mother was terminally ill, or He told us in strict confidence that Gail was pregnant. This idiom was first recorded in 1632. Also see TAKE INTO ONE’S CONFIDENCE.
in conscience Also, in all good conscience. In all truth or fairness, as in I can’t in conscience say that the meeting went well, or In all good conscience we can’t support their
stand on disarmament. [Late 1500s]
in consequence As a result, therefore, as in She was away for years and in consequence has few friends here. The prepositional phrase in consequence of means “as a result of,” as in In consequence of this finding, there is sure to be further investigation. [Late 1600s]
in consideration of 1. In view of, on account of, as in We turned back in consideration of the worsening weather. [First half of 1500s] 2. In return for, as in She received an honorarium in consideration of her key contributions. [c. 1600]
in creation → See under ON EARTH.
incumbent on Also, incumbent upon. Imposed as an obligation or duty on, obligatory for. For example, He felt it was incumbent on us all to help the homeless. [Mid-1500s]
in deep 1. Seriously involved; far advanced. For example, He was in deep with the other merchants and couldn’t strike out on his own, or She used her credit cards for everything, and before long she was in deep. 2. in deep water. Also, in over one’s head. In trouble, with more difficulties than one can manage, as in The business was in deep water after the president resigned, or I’m afraid Bill got in over his head. These metaphoric expressions transfer the difficulties of being submerged to other problems. The first appears in Miles Coverdale’s 1535 translation of the Book of Psalms (68:13): “I am come into deep waters.” The second, which also can signify being involved with more than one can understand, dates from the 1600s. Also see OVER ONE’S HEAD.
in default of Through the failure, absence, or lack of, as in In default of a better solution, we’ll have to make do with this one. This term was originally put as for default of, but John Gower had the current wording in Confessio Amantis (1397): “The fish, if it be dry, might in default of water die.” [Late 1200s]
in defiance of In spite of, with outright disregard for, as in They went on strike in defiance of union policy. This term was first recorded in 1750.
The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms Page 60
