The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms

by Christine Ammer

  in tow In one’s charge or close guidance; along with one. For example, The older girl took the new student in tow, or Peter always had his family in tow. This expression alludes to the literal meaning of being pulled along. [Early 1700s]

  in trouble with In difficulties with someone, especially an authority. For example, If they don’t shovel their walk, they’ll be in trouble with their neighbors. This idiom is also put as get in or into trouble with, as in Watch what you say or you’ll get into trouble with the teacher. [Mid-1500s] Also see HOT WATER; IN A FIX.

  in trust In the possession or care of a trustee, as in The money was held in trust for the children’s education. This expression implies having confidence in someone (the trustee). [Mid-1500s]

  in tune Also, in tune with. 1. In agreement in musical pitch or intonation, as in It’s hard to keep a violin in tune during damp weather, or Dave is always in tune with the other instrumentalists. [Mid-1400s] 2. In concord or agreement, as in He was in tune with the times. [Late 1500s] The antonyms for both usages, dating from the same periods, are not in tune and out of tune, as in That trumpet’s not in tune with the organ, or The lawyer was out of tune with his partners.

  in turn Also, in turns. In the proper order or in sequence; also, one at a time. For example, Each generation in turn must deal with the same budget problems, or Someone must be awake at all times, so let’s sleep in turns. [Late 1500s] Also see OUT OF TURN; TAKE TURNS.

  in two shakes Also, in two shakes of a lamb’s tail Very quickly, very soon, as in I’ll be with you in two shakes, or She’ll be finished in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. The longer idiom alludes to the friskiness of lambs; the shorter one may be an abbreviation of the longer one, or it may refer to the shaking of dice or any two quick movements. [Early 1800s]

  in unison 1. In complete agreement, harmonizing exactly. For example, Their opinion was in unison with ours. [Early 1800s] 2. Saying the same thing at the same time, simultaneously, as in The whole class answered in unison. [Late 1800s] Both usages allude to the unison of music, a single identical pitch.

  in up to → See UP TO ONE’S EARS.

  in vain To no avail, useless, as in All our work was in vain. [c. 1300] Also see TAKE SOMEONE’S NAME IN VAIN.

  invent the wheel → See REINVENT THE WHEEL.

  in view 1. Also, within view. Visible, in sight, as in The end of the project is in view, or The mountains are just within view. [Mid-1500s] 2. Under consideration, as in Let’s keep this suggestion in view while we talk about the project. [Mid-1600s] 3. As an end or goal one aims at. For example, With the coming election in view, we should present a united front on the issues. [Early 1700s] Also see IN VIEW OF.

  in view of 1. See IN LIGHT OF. 2. Also, with a view to. Considering, in prospect or anticipation of, as in In view of their hostile relations, both countries began mobilizing, or Dan started saving money with a view to going to law school. [c. 1700]

  involve → See GET INVOLVED.

  in wait → See LIE IN WAIT.

  in waiting In attendance, especially on a royal personage. For example, The prelates who were in waiting asked him to take the last rites. This usage has become less common with the diminution of royalty and royal courts but still survives. [Late 1600s]

  in with, be 1. Be in league or association with, as in She was in with the wrong crowd. It is also put as keep in with, meaning “to remain in league or association with,” as in He really kept in with his high school friends even while he was in college. [Late 1600s] 2. See IN GOOD WITH.

  in your dreams Probably never, not a chance. This dismissive imperative indicates one is hoping for something in vain. For example, Win first prize? In your dreams! It dates from the 1980s, as does the synonymous dream on (A new car for your sixteenth birthday? Dream on!)

  in your face Defiantly confrontational; also, an exclamation of contempt. For example, This show is not suitable for youngsters; its attitude about sex is in your face, or In your face, mister! This slangy expression originated in the 1970s in basketball as a phrase of contempt used against the opposing team and was extended to other areas by the mid-1980s.

  iota → See NOT ONE IOTA.

  Irish → See LUCK OF THE DEVIL (IRISH).

  iron → In addition to the idioms beginning with IRON, also see PUMP IRON; STRIKE WHILE THE IRON IS HOT.

  iron hand Also, iron fist. Rigorous control, as in He ruled the company with an iron hand. This usage is sometimes put as iron hand in a velvet glove, meaning “firm but seemingly gentle control,” as in She runs the town with an iron hand in a velvet glove. [c. 1700] The variant was used in an 1840 letter by the Duke of Wellington: “They wanted this iron fist to command them.”

  iron out Work out, resolve, settle. For example, They managed to iron out all the problems with the new production process, or John and Mary finally ironed out their differences. This expression uses ironing wrinkled fabric as a metaphor for smoothing differences. [Mid-1800s]

  irons in the fire, too many Too many activities or undertakings at once. For example, Bill’s got too many irons in the fire to cope with moving this year. This expression originally referred to the blacksmith heating too many irons at once and therefore spoiling some in the forging. [Mid-1500s]

  I see Also, I see what you mean. I understand, as in I see, you’d rather go running in the morning while it’s cool, or It’s too early to run an ad? I see what you mean. This idiom uses see in the sense of “perceive” or “comprehend,” a usage dating from 1300. Also see AS FAR AS I CAN SEE.

  Is my face red! → See under RED IN THE FACE.

  issue → See AT ISSUE; TAKE ISSUE WITH.

  is that a fact? Also, is that so? Phrases indicating that one is following what another person is saying. These expressions, which require no reply, can be used either straightforwardly, as in You mean you’ve flown to Paris three times just this month? Is that a fact? or sarcastically, expressing disbelief or contempt, as in Just wait, I’ll be promoted over you before the year is out.—Oh yeah, is that so? [Late 1800s]

  I suppose so Also, I guess so. I reluctantly agree, as in Do you want tickets to the concert?—I suppose so, or Do you think it’s going to rain?—I guess so. [Mid-1500s]

  it → In addition to the idioms beginning with IT, also see THAT DOES IT.

  itch for, have an Also, itch to. Have a persistent restless craving for, as in Dean has an itch for excitement, or Chris is itching to go around the world. [Late 1500s]

  itchy palm Also, itching palm. A desire for money, greed; also, wanting a bribe. For example, The porter has an itchy palm; he wants a big tip, or The mayor was known for his itchy palm. This expression alludes to placing money in the palm of the hand. [Late 1500s]

  item, to be an To be in a romantic relationship. This colloquialism from about 1970 quickly gained currency. It evades more specific information about a relationship, such as living together, planning marriage, or the like. For example, I wonder if Jack and Jill are still an item.

  it figures Also, that figures. It’s (or that’s) reasonable; it makes sense. For example, Hanging it upside down sounds like a weird idea, but it figures, or It figures that they won’t be coming this year, or So she’s complaining again; that figures. This idiom alludes to reckoning up numbers. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]

  it isn’t over till the fat lady sings The outcome is uncertain until the very end. This term probably began life as “the opera isn’t over until the fat lady sings,” which appeared in a Washington Post article in 1978, but its precise provenance has been lost. The “fat lady” isn’t identified (many opera singers are ample in size) nor do many operas actually end with an aria from a plump singer. Nevertheless, the saying is widely used. A less colorful synonym is it’s not over till it’s over. Baseball hero Yogi Berra apparently used it often in 1973 (put as it ain’t over till it’s over) when he was managing the New York Mets, insisting that a ball game was not finished until the very end. [Second half of 1900s]

  it is what it is Don’t look fo
r hidden meanings or a different outcome; accept this situation as it is. The New York Times (May 13, 2001) had it: “There is no deviousness or hidden agenda. It is what it is” (cited by OED). Or, The blood test showed a disappointingly high toxic level; it is what it is.

  it never rains but it pours When something occurs it often does so to excess. For example, First Aunt Sue said she and Uncle Harry were coming for the weekend and then my sister and her children said they were coming too—it never rains but it pours. This expression may have come from either a book by Queen Anne’s physician, John Arbuthnot, or an article by Jonathan Swift, both entitled It Cannot Rain But It Pours and both published in 1726.

  I told you so I warned you in advance, especially of a bad outcome. For example, It’s too bad your guests didn’t get along with each other, but remember, I told you so.

  it’s about time Also, it’s high time. → See ABOUT TIME; HIGH TIME.

  it’s all downhill Also, it’s all uphill from here. → See under DOWNHILL ALL THE WAY.

  it’s all over with Something or someone is completely finished, defeated, or dead. The precise meaning of this phrase depends on the context. In This loss means that it’s all over with the company, it refers to defeat, whereas in The vet can do no more; it’s all over with the dog, it refers to the dog’s death, either approaching or actual. Also see ALL UP.

  it’s an ill wind → See ILL WIND.

  it’s a small world One encounters the same people, events or situations in unexpected places. For example, I never thought I’d run into Samantha at a ball game—it’s a small world. [c. 1900]

  it’s a zoo Also, what a zoo. This is a place or situation of confusion and/or disorder. For example, Mary’s got all these house guests with children and pets—it’s a zoo, or We’re in the midst of moving our office and files are all over the place—what a zoo! [Slang; late 1800s]

  it’s no use → See NO USE.

  it stands to reason It’s reasonable or to be expected. For example, It stands to reason that if we leave late we’ll arrive late. [Early 1600s]

  it’s to die Also, it is to die for. It’s extraordinary; it’s deeply appreciated and/or greatly desired. For example, Her performance, it’s to die! or That mink coat—it’s to die for! This hyperbole is usually put as an exclamation. [Slang; 1970s]

  it’s to laugh Also, it is to laugh. It is absurd, laughable, as in You think the trial will be over in a week—it’s to laugh! This expression is usually put as an exclamation, as in the example. [Second half of 1900s]

  it’s your funeral Also, it’s or it’s not his or her or my or our or their funeral. One must take the consequences of one’s destructive or foolish actions. This expression is used to show one’s contempt or lack of sympathy for another’s actions. For example, Suppose they do get pulled over for taking a joy ride—It’s their funeral, or I don’t care whether you quit your job—it’s not my funeral. This hyperbolic term implies that an action is so bad it will result in death. [Slang; mid-1800s]

  it takes all sorts Many different kinds of people make up the world. For example, I would never go swimming in April, but it takes all sorts, or Gordon insists on wearing sunglasses indoors and out—I guess it takes all sorts. This expression, originating in the 1600s as It takes all sorts to make a world, is often used in remarking one’s own difference from others or tolerating someone else’s peculiarity. Also see NO ACCOUNTING FOR TASTES.

  it takes getting used to One needs to become accustomed to something. For example, We’ve always had a small car, so driving a big van like this—well, it takes getting used to. This idiom employs used to in the sense of “accustomed to,” a usage dating from the first half of the 1500s.

  it takes one to know one The person who expressed criticism has similar faults to the person being criticized. This classic retort to an insult dates from the early 1900s. For example, You say she’s a terrible cook? It takes one to know one! For a synonym, see POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK. A near equivalent is the proverbial it takes a thief to catch a thief, meaning “no one is better at finding a wrongdoer than another wrongdoer.” First recorded in 1665, it remains current.

  it takes two to tango Both parties in an enterprise must cooperate equally. For example, The contractor and the house owner must agree on a schedule—it takes two to tango, or You can’t blame just Bill for their divorce—it takes two to tango. The term originated in the 1920s, when the Latin American tango became a popular dance. It became even better known through a song of 1952, “Takes Two to Tango,” written by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning, and popularized by singer Pearl Bailey. A similar 16th-century proverb appeared in John Lyly’s Euphues: the Anatomy of Wit (1579), “It always takes two to make a bargain.” The current idiom is sometimes abbreviated to it takes two.

  ivory tower A place or attitude of retreat, remoteness from everyday affairs, as in What does the professor know about student life, living as he does in an ivory tower? This term is a translation of the French tour d’ivoire, which the critic Saint-Beuve used to describe the attitude of poet Alfred de Vigny in 1837. It is used most often in reference to intellectuals and artists who remain complacently aloof.

  j

  jack → In addition to the idioms beginning with JACK, also see BEFORE YOU CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.

  jack of all trades An individual who is adept at everything he or she undertakes. This idiom first appeared in Geffray Mynshul’s Essayes and Characters of a Prison (1618). Even earlier several writers pointed out that someone who is good at everything is good at nothing. A version appeared in Chaucer’s Troilus and Cressida, “He that parted is in every place is no-wher hool, as writen cleryks wyse.” By 1800 it was put as jack of all trades, master of none (Maria Edgeworth, Popular Tales: Will).

  jack off → See JERK OFF.

  jackpot → See HIT THE JACKPOT.

  Jack Robinson → See BEFORE YOU CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.

  jack up Raise or increase, as in The cartel is jacking up oil prices again. This term alludes to the literal meaning of jack up, that is, “hoist with a jack.” [Colloquial; c. 1900]

  jam → See under IN A BIND.

  jaybird → See NAKED AS A JAYBIRD.

  jazz up 1. Enliven, make more interesting, as in They jazzed up the living room with a new rug, or They decided to include a comedy act to jazz up the program. 2. Modify so as to increase its performance, as in Peter wanted to jazz up his motorbike with a stronger engine. Both usages are colloquialisms from the mid-1900s. Also see JUICE UP.

  Jekyll and Hyde A personality alternating between good and evil behavior, as in You never know whether Bob will be a Jekyll or a Hyde. This expression comes from Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886). Also see LEAD A DOUBLE LIFE.

  jerk around Take unfair advantage of, manipulate or deceive, as in Leave me alone; quit jerking me around! or He was jerking you around when he said he was home all evening. [Slang; mid-1900s]

  jerk off Also, jack off. Masturbate, as in His roommate was always jerking off. [Vulgar slang; first half of 1900s]

  jetsam → See FLOTSAM AND JETSAM.

  jet set A chic social group. The term was coined in the 1950s with the introduction of jet passenger planes and applied to affluent people who traveled widely. Later it was used more generally for socialites, whether or not they traveled a great deal. See also BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.

  jib → See CUT OF ONE’S JIB.

  jiffy → See under IN A FLASH.

  jig is up → See GAME IS UP.

  jinks → See HIGH JINKS.

  job → See DO A JOB ON; GIVE UP (AS A BAD JOB); HATCHET MAN (JOB); LIE DOWN (ON THE JOB); ON THE JOB; PUT-UP JOB; SNOW JOB; SOFT JOB.

  jockey for position Maneuver or manipulate for one’s own benefit, as in The singers are always jockeying for position on stage. This expression, dating from about 1900, originally meant maneuvering a race horse into a better position for winning. It was transferred to other kinds of manipulation in the mid-1900s.

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nbsp; Joe Six-pack A lower-middle-class male. For example, I don’t think opera will appeal to Joe Six-pack; he’d prefer a rock concert. This disparaging term, first recorded in 1977, conjures up the image of a man in undershirt and construction helmet who will down all of a six-pack (six cans or bottles of beer sold in a package) in an evening.

  John Doe 1. Also, John Q. Public; Joe Blow; Joe Doakes; Joe Zilch. An average undistinguished man; also, the average citizen. For example, This television show is just right for a John Doe, or It’s up to John Q. Public to go to the polls and vote. Originally used from the 13th century on legal documents as an alias to protect a witness, John Doe acquired the sense of “ordinary person” in the 1800s. The variants date from the 1900s. Also see JOE SIX-PACK. 2. Also, Jane Doe. An unknown individual, as in The police found a John Doe lying on the street last night, or The judge issued a warrant for the arrest of the perpetrators, Jane Doe no. 1 and Jane Doe no. 2. [Second half of 1900s]

  John Hancock Also, John Henry. One’s signature, as in Just put your John Hancock on the dotted line. This expression alludes to John Hancock’s prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. The variant simply substitutes a common name for “Hancock.” [Mid-1800s]

  Johnny-come-lately A newcomer, as in She may be a Johnny-come-lately on the board, but she’s doing a fine job with publicity. [1830s]

  Johnny-on-the-spot A person who is available when needed, as in He always is there at the right time, a real Johnny-on-the-spot. [Late 1800s]