Словарь американских идиом: 8000 единиц

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[ice] See: BLOOD RUNS COLD or BLOOD TURNS TO ICE, BREAK THE ICE, CUT ICE, ON ICE, SKATE ON THIN ICE.

[iceberg] See: COOL AS AN ICEBERG.

[idea] See: THE IDEA, WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA or WHAT’S THE IDEA.

[I declare]{interj.}, {dialect} Well; oh my; truly. — Used for emphasis. •/I declare, it has been a very warm day!/ •/Mother said, "I declare, John, you have grown a foot."/

[idiot box]{n.} A television set. •/Phil has been staring at the idiot box all afternoon./

[if] See: WHAT IF.

[if anything]{adv. phr.} More likely; instead; rather. •/The weather forecast is not for cooler weather; if anything, it is expected to be warmer./ •/Joe isn’t a bad boy. If anything he’s a pretty good one./ Compare: MATTER OF FACT.

[if it’s not one thing it’s another] If a certain thing doesn’t go wrong, another most probably will. •/When John lost his keys and his wallet, and his car wouldn’t start, he exclaimed in despair, "If it’s not one thing it’s another."/ Compare: ONE DAMN THING AFTER ANOTHER (ODTAA).

[if need be]{adv. phr.} If the need arises. •/If need be, I can come early tomorrow and work overtime./

[if only] I wish. •/If only it would stop raining!/ •/If only Mother could be here./ Syn.: WOULD THAT.

[if the hill will not come to Muhammad, Muhammad will go to the hill] If one person will not go to the other, then the other must go to him. — A proverb. •/Grandfather won’t come to visit us, so we must go and visit him. If the hill won’t come to Muhammad, then Muhammad will go to the hill./

[if the shoe fits, wear it] If what is said describes you, you are meant. — A proverb. •/I won’t say who, but some children are always late. If the shoe fits, Wear it./

[if worst comes to worst] If the worst thing happens that be imagined; if the worst possible thing happens; if troubles grow worse. •/If worst comes to worst and Mr. Jones loses the house, he will send his family to his mother’s farm./ •/If worst comes to worst, we shall close the school for a few days./

[if you can’t lick them, join them] If you cannot defeat an opponent or get him to change his attitude, plans, or ways of doing things, the best thing to do is to change your ideas, plans, etc. •/"The small car manufacturers are winning over the big car makers," the president of an American car factory said. "If we want to stay in business, we must do as they do. In other words, if you can’t lick them, join them."/

[I’ll bet you my bottom dollar]{interj.}, {informal} An exaggerated assertion of assurance. •/I’ll bet you my bottom dollar that the Cubs will win this year./

[I’ll say] or [I tell you] {interj.}, {informal} I agree with this completely. — Used for emphasis. •/Did the children all enjoy Aunt Sally’s pecan pie? I’ll say!/ •/I’ll say this is a good movie!/

[I’ll tell you what] or [tell you what] {informal} Here is an idea. •/The hamburger stand is closed, but I’ll tell you what, let’s go to my house and cook some hot dogs./

[ill] See: IT’S AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NOBODY GOOD, TAKE ILL.

[ill at ease]{adj. phr.} Not feeling at ease or comfortable; anxious; worried; unhappy. •/Donald had never been to a big party before and he was ill at ease./ •/When Joe first went to dancing school, he was ill at ease, not knowing how to act./ Contrast: AT EASE(2).

[ill-favored]{adj.} Ugly; unprepossessing. •/Oddly enough, the father had less trouble in marrying off his ill-favored daughter than her prettier sister./

[ill-gotten gains]{n. phr.} Goods or money obtained in an illegal or immoral fashion. •/The jailed criminal had plenty of time to think about his ill-gotten gains./

[image] See: SPITTING IMAGE or SPIT AND IMAGE.

[impose on]{v.} To try to get more from (a person who is helping you) than he or she intended to give. •/Don’t you think you are imposing on your neighbor when you use his telephone for half an hour?/ •/You may swim in the Allens' pool so long as you do not impose on them by bringing all your friends./ Compare: TAKE ADVANTAGE.

[improve on] or [improve upon] {v.} To make or get one that is better than (another). •/Dick made good marks the first year, but he thought he could improve on them./ •/Charles built a new model racer for the derby race, because he knew he could improve upon his old one./

[I’m telling you]{informal} It is important to listen to what I am saying. •/Marian is a smart girl but I’m telling you, she doesn’t always do what she promises./

[in a bad frame of mind]{adv. phr.} In an unhappy mood. •/Make sure the boss is not in a bad frame of mind when you ask him for a raise./ Contrast: IN A GOOD FRAME OF MIND.

[in a bad way]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In trouble or likely to have trouble. •/If you have only those two girls to help you, you are in a bad way./ •/Jerry has written only one sentence of his term paper that is due tomorrow, and he knows he is in a bad way./ •/Mrs. Jones has cancer and is in a bad way./ •/A new supermarket opened across the street, and the Peters' grocery business was soon in a bad way./

[in a big way]{adv. phr.}, {informal} As fully as possible; with much ceremony. •/Our family celebrates birthdays in a big way./ •/John likes to entertain his dates in a big way./

[in a bind] or [in a box] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Likely to have trouble whether you do one thing or another. •/Sam is in a bind because if he carries home his aunt’s groceries, his teacher will be angry because he is late, and if he doesn’t, his aunt will complain./ Compare: BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, HORNS OF A DILEMMA.

[in a breeze] See: WIN IN A WALK or WIN IN A BREEZE.

[in absentia]{adv. phr.}, {formal} When the person is absent. — Used in graduation exercises when presenting diplomas to an absent student or during a court case. •/On Commencement Day, Joe was sick in bed and the college gave him his bachelor’s degree in absentia./ (Latin, meaning "in absence.")

[in accordance with]{adv. phr.} In consonance with something; conforming to something. •/Employees at this firm are expected to always behave in accordance with the rules./

[in a circle] or [in circles] {adv. phr.} Without any progress; without getting anywhere; uselessly. •/The committee debated for two hours, just talking in circles./ •/If you don’t have a clear aim, you can work a long time and still be going in circles./ •/He seemed to be working hard, but was just running around in circles./

[in addition]{adv. phr.} As something extra; besides. •/We saw a Mickey Mouse cartoon in addition to the cowboy movie./ •/Aunt Mary gave us sandwiches for our picnic and a bag of cookies in addition./ •/He has two cars and in addition a motorboat./

[in advance] or [in advance of] {adv. phr.} 1. In front; ahead (of the others); first. •/In the parade, the band will march in advance of the football team./ •/The soldiers rode out of the fort with the scouts in advance./ 2. Before doing or getting something. •/The motel man told Mr. Williams he would have to pay in advance./ •/The paperhanger mixed his paste quite a while in advance so it would have time to cool./ •/It will be easier to decorate the snack bar if we cut the streamers in advance of the actual decorating./

[in a family way] or [in the family way] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Going to have a baby. •/Sue and Liz are happy because their mother is in the family way./ •/The Ferguson children are promising kittens to everyone because their cat is in a family way./ Compare: WITH CHILD.

[in a fix]{adv. phr.} In trouble. •/Last night Jack wrecked his car and now he is in a fix./ Compare: IN A JAM, IN A PICKLE.

[in a flash] also [in a trice] {adv. phr.} Very suddenly. •/We were watching the bird eat the crumbs; then I sneezed, and he was gone in a flash./ •/Bob was looking over his notes for English class and in a flash he knew what he would write his paper about./

[in a flutter]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In a state of nervous excitement. •/Whenever Norm and Cathy are near one another, both are in a flutter; they must be in love./

[in a fog] or [in a haze] {adv. phr.} Mentally confused; not sure what is happening. •/I didn’t vote for Alice because she always seems to be in a fog./ •/I was so upset that for two days I went around in a haze, not even answering when people spoke to me./ Contrast: ALL THERE, HIT ON ALL CYLINDERS.

[in a good frame of mind]{adv. phr.} In a happy mood. •/After a relaxing holiday in the Bahamas, the boss was in a very good frame of mind./ Contrast: IN A BAD FRAME OF MIND.

[in a hole] or [in a spot] {adj. phr.}, {informal} In an embarrassing or difficult position; in some trouble. •/When the restaurant cook left at the beginning of the busy season, it put the restaurant owner in a hole./ Compare: BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL, IN THE HOLE.

[in a huff]{adv. phr.}, {informal} Angrily. •/Ellen went off in a huff because she didn’t get elected class president./

[in a jam]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In a predicament; in a situation fraught with difficulty. •/If you continue to disregard the university instructions on how to take a test, you’ll wind up in a jam with the head of the department./ Compare: IN A PICKLE, IN DEEP SHIT.

[in a jiffy]{adv. phr.}, {informal} Immediately; right away; in a moment. •/Wait for me; I’ll be back in a jiffy./

[in a kind of way] See: IN A WAY(1).

[in a lather]{adj.}, {slang} In great excitement; all worked up; extremely agitated. •/I couldn’t get across to Joe, he was all in a lather./

[in all]{adv. phr.} 1. All being counted; altogether. •/You have four apples and I have three bananas, making seven pieces of fruit in all./ •/In all we did very well./ 2. See: ALL IN ALL(2).

[in and out]{adv. phr.} 1. Coming in and going out often. •/He was very busy Saturday and was in and out all day./ 2. See: INSIDE OUT(2).

[in another’s place] See: PUT ONESELF IN ANOTHER’S PLACE.

[in a nutshell]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In a few words; briefly, without telling all about it. •/We are in a hurry, so I’ll give you the story in a nutshell./ •/In a nutshell, the car is no bargain./ Compare: IN SHORT.

[in any case] also [in any event] or [at all events] {adv. phr.} 1. No matter what happens: surely; without fail; certainly; anyhow; anyway. •/It may rain tomorrow, but we are going home in any case./ •/I may not go to Europe, but in any event, I will visit you during the summer./ 2. Regardless of anything else; whatever else may be true; anyhow; anyway. •/Tom was not handsome and he was not brilliant, but at all events he worked hard and was loyal to his boss./ •/I don’t know if it is a white house or a brown house. At all events, it is a big house on Main Street./ Compare: AT ANY RATE, AT LEAST(2).

[in any event] See: IN ANY CASE.

[in a pickle]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In a quandary; in a difficult situation. •/I was certainly in a pickle when my front tire blew out./

[in a pig’s eye]{adv.}, {slang}, [informal] Hardly; unlikely; not so. •/Would I marry him? In a pig’s eye./

[in a pinch]{adv. phr.}, {informal} In an emergency. •/Dave is a good friend who will always help out in a pinch./

[in arms]{adv. phr.} Having guns and being ready to fight; armed. •/When our country is at war, we have many men in arms./ Syn.: UP IN ARMS!

[in a row] See: GET ONE’S DUCKS IN A ROW.

[in arrears]{adv. phr.} Late or behind in payment of money or in finishing something. — Usually used of a legal debt or formal obligation. •/Poor Mr. Brown! He is in arrears on his rent./ •/He is in arrears on the story he promised to write for the magazine./

[in a sense]{adv. phr.} In some ways but not in all; somewhat. •/Mr. Smith said our school is the best in the state, and in a sense that is true./ •/In a sense, arithmetic is a language./

[inasmuch as]{conj.} 1. See: INSOFAR AS. 2. also [for as much as] {formal} Because; for the reason that; since. •/Inasmuch as this is your team, you have the right to choose your own captain./ •/Inasmuch as the waves are high, I shall not go out in the boat./

[in a sort of way] See: IN A WAY(1).

[in a spot] See: ON THE SPOT(2).

[in a trice] See: IN A FLASH.

[in at the kill]{adj. phr.}, {informal} Watching or taking part, usually with pleasure, at the end of a struggle; present at the finish. •/Frank and John have been quarreling for a long time and tonight they are having a fight. Bill says he wants to be in at the kill, because he is Frank’s friend./

[in a walk] See: WIN IN A WALK.

[in a way]{adv. phr.} 1. also {informal} [in a kind of way] or {informal} [in a sort of way] To a certain extent; a little; somewhat. •/I like Jane in a way, but she is very proud./ Compare: AFTER A FASHION, MORE OR LESS. 2. In one thing. •/In a way, this book is easier: it is much shorter./

[in awe of] See: STAND IN AWE OF.

[in a while] See: AFTER A WHILE, EVERY NOW AND THEN or EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE.

[in a whole skin] See: WITH A WHOLE SKIN.

[in a word] See: IN BRIEF.

[in a world of one’s own] or [in a world by oneself] 1. In the place where you belong; in your own personal surroundings; apart from other people. •/They are in a little world of their own in their house on the mountain./ 2a. In deep thought or concentration. •/Mary is in a world of her own when she is playing the piano./ Compare: LOSE ONESELF. 2b. {slang} Not caring about or connected with other people in thoughts or actions. — Usually used sarcastically. •/That boy is in a world all by himself. He never knows what is happening around him./

[in a zone]{adv.}, {slang}, {informal} In a daze; in a daydream; in a state of being unable to concentrate. •/Professor Smith puts everyone in a zone./

[in back of] See: BACK OF.

[in bad]{adv. phr.}, {substandard} Out of favor; unpopular; in difficulty; in trouble. •/No, I can’t go swimming today. Father told me to stay home, and I don’t want to get in bad./ — Usually used with "with". •/Mary is in bad with the teacher for cheating on the test./ •/The boy is in bad with the police for breaking windows./ Contrast: IN GOOD, IN ONE’S FAVOR.

[in bad form]{adv. phr.} Violating social custom or accepted behavior. •/When Bob went to the opera in blue jeans and without a tie, his father-in-law told him that it was in bad form./ Contrast: IN GOOD FORM.

[in behalf of] or [on behalf of] {prep.}, {formal} 1. In place of; as a representative of; for. •/John accepted the championship award on behalf of the team./ 2. As a help to; for the good of. •/The minister worked hard all his life in behalf of the poor./ Compare: IN ONE’S BEHALF IN ONE’S FAVOR.

[in black and white] See: BLACK AND WHITE.

[in brief] or [in short] or [in a word] {adv. phr.} Briefly; to give the meaning of what has been said or written in a word or in a few words; in summary. •/The children could play as long as they liked, they had no work to do, and nobody scolded them; in short, they were happy./ •/The speaker didn’t know his subject, nor did he speak well; in brief, he was disappointing./ •/John is smart, polite, and well-behaved. In a word, he is admirable./

[in cahoots with] See: IN LEAGUE WITH.

[in case]{adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. In order to be prepared; as a precaution; if there is need. — Usually used in the phrase "just in case". •/The bus is usually on time, but start early, just in case./ •/The big dog was tied up, but John carried a stick, just in case./ 2. [in case] or [in the event] {conj.} If it happens that; if it should happen that; if; lest. •/Tom took his skates in case they found a place to skate./ •/Let me know in case you’re not coming./ •/The night watchman is in the store in case there is ever afire./ •/Keep the window closed in case it rains./ •/I stayed home in case you called./ •/In the event that our team wins, there will be a big celebration./ •/What shall we do in case it snows?/

[in case of] also [in the event of] {prep.} In order to meet the possibility of; lest there is; if there is; if there should be. •/Take your umbrellas in case of rain./ •/The wall was built along the river in case of floods./

[inch] See: BY INCHES, EVERY INCH, GIVE ONE AN INCH AND HE WILL TAKE A MILE, WITHIN AN ACE OF or WITHIN AN INCH OF, WITHIN AN INCH OF ONE’S LIFE.

[inch (one’s way) along]{v. phr.} To. proceed slowly and with difficulty. •/When the electricity failed, it took John half an hour to inch his way along the corridors of the office building./

[in character]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In agreement with a person’s character or personality; in the way that a person usually behaves or is supposed to behave; as usual; characteristic; typical; suitable. •/John was very rude at the party, and that was not in character because he is usually very polite./ •/The way Judy comforted the little girl was in character. She did it gently and kindly./ 2. Suitable for the part or the kind of part being acted; natural to the way a character in a book or play is supposed to act. •/The fat actor in the movie was in character because the character he played was supposed to be fat and jolly./ •/It would not have been in character for Robin Hood to steal from a poor man./ Contrast: OUT OF CHARACTER.

[in charge]{adv.} or {adj. phr.}, 1. In authority or control; in a position to care for or supervise; responsible. •/If you have any questions, ask the boss. He’s in charge./ 2. Under care or supervision. •/The sick man was taken in charge by the doctor./ •/During your visit to the library, you will be in the librarian’s charge./ Compare: TAKE CARE OF.

[in charge of]{prep.} 1. Responsible for; having supervision or care of. •/Marian is in charge of selling tickets./ •/The girl in charge of refreshments forgot to order the ice cream for the party./ •/When our class had a play, the teacher put Harold in charge of the stage curtain./ 2. or [in the charge of] Under the care or supervision of. •/Mother puts the baby in the charge of the baby-sitter while she is out./ •/The money was given in charge of Mr. Jackson for safekeeping./

[in check]{adv. phr.} In a position where movement or action is not allowed or stopped; under control; kept quiet or back. •/The boy was too small to keep the big dog in check, and the dog broke away from his leash./ •/The soldiers tried to keep the attacking Indians in check until help came./ •/Mary couldn’t hold her feelings in check any longer and began to cry./

[in circles] See: IN A CIRCLE.

[in circulation] or [into circulation] {adj. phr.}, {informal} Going around and doing things as usual; joining what others are doing, •/John broke his leg and was out of school for several weeks, but now he is back in circulation again./ •/Mary’s mother punished her by stopping her from dating for two weeks, but then she got hack into circulation./ Contrast: OUT OF CIRCULATION.

[inclined to]{adj. phr.} Having a tendency to; positively disposed toward. •/I am inclined to fall asleep after a heavy meal./

[in clover] or [in the clover] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In rich comfort; rich or successful; having a pleasant or easy life. •/They live in clover because their father is rich./ •/When we finish the hard part we’ll be in the clover./ Compare: BED OF ROSES, LIFE OF RILEY, LIVE HIGH OFF THE HOG, ON EASY STREET.

[in cold blood]{adv. phr.} Without feeling or pity; in a purposely cruel way; coolly and deliberately. •/The bank robbers planned to shoot in cold blood anyone who got in their way./ •/The bandits planned to murder in cold blood all farmers in the village by the river./

[in command]{adv. phr.} In control of; in charge. •/Helen is in command of the situation./

[in commission] or [into commission] {adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. On duty or ready to be put on duty by a naval or military service; in active service. •/The old battleship has been in commission for twenty years./ •/It took many months to build the new bomber, and now it is ready to be put into commission./ 2. In proper condition; in use or ready for use; working; running. •/The wheel of my bicycle was broken, but it is back in commission now./ Compare: IN ORDER(2). Contrast: OUT OF COMMISSION(2).

[in common]{adv. phr.} Shared together or equally; in use or ownership by all. •/Mr. and Mrs. Smith own the store in common./ •/The four boys grew up together and have a lot in common./ •/The swimming pool is used in common by all the children in the neighborhood./ Compare: COMMON GROUND.

[in condition] See: IN SHAPE.

[in consequence]{adv. phr.} As a result; therefore; so. •/Jennie got up late, and in consequence she missed the bus./ •/You studied hard, and in consequence you passed the test./

[in consequence of]{prep.}, {formal} As a result of. •/In consequence of the deep snow, school will not open today./ •/In consequence of his promise to pay for the broken window, Bill was not punished./ Compare: BECAUSE OF, ON ACCOUNT OF.

[in consideration of]{adv. phr.} 1. After thinking about and weighing; because of. •/iN consideration of the boy’s young age, the judge did not put him in jail for carrying a gun./ 2. In exchange for; because of; in payment for. •/In consideration of the extra work Joe had done, his boss gave him an extra week’s pay./ Compare: IN RETURN.

[in days] or [weeks] or [years to come] {adv. phr.} In the future. •/In the years to come I will be thinking of my father’s advice about life./

[in deep]{adj. phr.} Seriously mixed up in something, especially trouble. •/George began borrowing small sums of money to bet on horses, and before he knew it he was in deep./ Compare: DEEP WATER, UP TO THE CHIN IN.

[in deep water] See: DEEP WATER.

[in defiance of]{prep.} Acting against; in disobedience to. •/The girl chewed gum in defiance of the teacher’s rule./ •/Bob stayed up late in defiance of the coach’s orders./

[in demand]{adj. phr.} Needed; wanted. •/Men to shovel snow were in demand after the snow storm./ •/The book about dogs was much in demand in the library./

[Indian] See: CIGAR-STORE INDIAN.

[Indian giver]{n. phr.} A person who gives one something, but later asks for it back. — An ethnic slur; avoidable. •/John gave me a beautiful fountain pen, but a week later, like an Indian giver, he wanted it back./

[Indian sign]{n.}, {informal} A magic spell that is thought to bring bad luck; curse; jinx; hoo-doo. — Used with "the", usually after "have" or "with"; and often used in a joking way. •/Bill is a good player, but Ted has the Indian sign on him and always beats him./ •/Father says that he always wins our checker games because he has put the Indian sign on me, but I think he is joking./ Compare: GET ONE’S NUMBER.

[Indian summer]{n. phr.} A dry and warm period of time late in the fall, usually in October. •/After the cold and foggy weather, we had a brief Indian summer, during which the temperature was up in the high seventies./

[in dispute]{adj. phr.} Disagreed about; being argued. •/The penalty ordered by the referee was in dispute by one of the teams./ •/Everyone in the clans wanted to say something about the subject in dispute./

[in doubt]{adv. phr.} In the dark; having some question or uncertainty. •/When in doubt about any of the words you’re using, consult a good dictionary./

[in due course] or [in due season] or [in due time] See: IN GOOD TIME(2).

[in due season] or [in due time] See: IN GOOD TIME.

[industrial park]{n.} A complex of industrial buildings and/or businesses usually located far from the center of a city in a setting especially landscaped to make such buildings look better. •/The nearest supermarket that sells car tires is at the industrial park twenty miles from downtown./

[in Dutch]{adj. phr.}, {slang} In trouble. •/George got in Dutch with his father when he broke a window./ •/John was in Dutch with his mother because he tore his new jacket./

[in earnest]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} Seriously; in a determined way. •/The beaver was building his dam in earnest./ •/Bill did his homework in earnest./ — Often used like a predicate adjective. Sometimes used with "dead", for emphasis. •/Betty’s friends thought she was joking when she said she wanted to be a doctor, but she was in dead earnest./

[in effect]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. The same in meaning or result. •/The teacher gave the same assignment, in effect, that she gave yesterday./ •/Helping your mother with the dishes is in effect earning your allowance./ 2. Necessary to obey; being enforced. •/The coach says that players must be in bed by midnight, and that rule is in effect tonight./ Syn.: IN FORCE.

[in effigy] See: HANG IN EFFIGY or BURN IN EFFIGY.

[in error]{adv. phr.} Wrong; mistaken. •/You were in error when you assumed that he would wait for us./

[in evidence]{adj. phr.} Easily seen; noticeable. •/The little boy’s measles were very much in evidence./ •/The tulips were blooming; spring was in evidence./

[in fact] also [in point of fact] {adv. phr.} Really truthfully. — Often used for emphasis. •/No one believed it but, in fact, Mary did get an A on her book report./ •/It was a very hot day; in fact, it was 100 degrees./ Compare: MATTER OF FACT.

[in favor of]{prep.} On the side of; in agreement with, •/Everyone in the class voted in favor of the party./ •/Most girls are in favor of wearing lipstick./ Compare: IN BACK OF(2).

[in fear and trembling] See: FEAR AND TREMBLING.

[in fear of]{adj. phr.} Fearful of; afraid of. •/They live so close to the border that they are constantly in fear of an enemy attack./

[in for]{prep.}, {informal} Unable to avoid; sure to get. •/The naughty puppy was in for a spanking./ •/On Christmas morning we are in for some surprises./ •/We saw Father looking angrily out of the broken window, and we knew we were in for it./ Compare: HAVE IT IN FOR.

[in force]{adj. phr.} 1. To be obeyed. •/New times for eating meals are now in force./ Syn.: IN EFFECT. 2. In a large group. •/People went to see the parade in force./ Syn.: EN MASSE.

[in front of] prep. Ahead of; before. •/The rabbit was running in front of the dog./ •/A big oak tree stood in front of the building./ Contrast: IN BACK OF(1).

[in full swing]{adj. phr.} Actively going on; in full action. •/The Valentine party was in full swing./ •/All of the children were planting seeds; the gardening project was in full swing./

[in fun] See: FOR FUN.

[in general(1)]{adv. phr.} Usually; very often. •/In general, mother makes good cookies./ •/The weather in Florida is warm in general./ Compare: ON THE WHOLE(2).

[in general(2)]{adj. phr.} Most; with few exceptions. •/Women in general like to shop for new clothes./ •/Boys in general like active sports more than girls do./ Contrast: IN PARTICULAR.

[in glass houses] See: PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES SHOULD NOT THROW STONES.

[in good]{adj. phr.}, {informal} Well liked; accepted. — Used with "with". •/The boy washed the blackboards so that he would get in good with Iris teacher./ •/Although Tom was younger, he was in good with the older boys./ Compare: ON ONE’S GOOD SIDE. Contrast: IN BAD.

[in good faith] See: GOOD FAITH.

[in good form] Contrast: IN BAD FORM.

[in good season] See: IN GOOD TIME.

[in good stead] See: STAND IN GOOD STEAD.

[in good time] or [in good season] {adv. phr.} 1. A little early; sooner than necessary. •/The school bus arrived in good time./ •/The students finished their school work in good time./ •/We reached the station in good season to catch the 9:15 bus for New York./ 2. or [in due course] or [in due season] or [in due time] In the usual amount of time; at the right time; in the end. •/Spring and summer will arrive in due course./ •/Sally finished her spelling in due course./

[in great measure]{adv. phr.} To a great extent; largely. •/The Japanese attack on Hawaii was in great measure a contributing factor to President Roosevelt’s decision to enter World War II./ Compare: TO A LARGE EXTENT.

[in half]{adv. phr.} 1. Into two equal parts. •/The ticket taker at the football game tore the tickets in half./ •/Mother cut the apple in half so each child could have an equal share./ Syn.: IN TWO. 2. To half the size before; to one half as big. •/As a punishment, Father cut Bob’s allowance in half./

[in hand]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Under control. •/The principal was happy to find that the new teacher had her class in hand./ •/The baby-sitter kept the children well in hand./ •/Mabel was frightened when the barking dog ran at her, but she soon got herself in hand and walked on./ Contrast: OUT OF HAND. 2. In your possession; with you. — Often used in the phrase "cash in hand". •/Tom figured that his cash in hand with his weekly pay would be enough to buy a car./ Compare: ON HAND. 3. Being worked on; with you to do. •/We should finish the work we have in hand before we begin something new./

[in honor of]{prep.} As an honor to; for showing respect or thanks to. •/We celebrate Mother’s Day in honor of our mothers./ •/The city dedicated a monument in honor of the general./

[in hopes]{adj. phr.} Hopeful; hoping. •/The Mayor was in hopes of having a good day for the parade./ •/Mother was in hopes that the cake would be good to eat./

[in horror] See: THROW UP ONE’S HANDS IN HORROR.

[in hot water] See: HOT WATER.

[in] or [into orbit] {adj. phr.} Thrilled; exuberantly happy; in very high spirits. •/When Carol won the lottery she went right into orbit./

[in] or [into the clear] {adj. phr.} Free; cleared of all responsibility and guilt. •/Because of the new evidence found, Sam is still in the clear, but Harry is still behind bars./

[in] or [into the doldrums] {adj. phr.} Inactive; sluggish; depressed. •/The news of our factory’s going out of business put all of us in the doldrums./

[in] or [into the limelight] {adj. phr.} In the center of attention. •/Some people will do almost anything to be able to step into the limelight./ Compare: IN THE SPOTLIGHT.

[in itself] See: END IN ITSELF.

[injury] See: ADD INSULT TO INJURY.

[in keeping]{adj. phr.} Going well together; agreeing; similar. •/Mary’s hair style was in keeping with the latest fashion./ •/Having an assembly on Friday morning was in keeping with the school program./ Contrast: OUT OF KEEPING.

[in kind]{adv. phr.} In a similar way; with the same kind of thing. •/My neighbor pays me in kind for walking her dog./ •/Low returned Mary’s insult in kind./

[in knots] See: TIE IN KNOTS.

[in league with] or {informal} [in cahoots with] {prep.} In secret agreement or partnership with (someone); working together secretly with, especially for harm. •/People once believed that some women were witches in league with the devil./ •/The mayor’s enemies spread a rumor that he was in cahoots with gangsters./

[in left field] See: OUT IN LEFT FIELD.

[in lieu of] See: INSTEAD OF.

[in light of] also [in the light of] {adj. phr.} 1. As a result of new information; by means of new ideas. •/The teacher changed John’s grade in the light of the extra work in the workbook./ 2. Because of. •/In light of the muddy field, the football team wore their old uniforms./ Syn.: IN VIEW OF.

[in line(1)]{adv. phr.} In or into a straight line. •/The boys stood in line to buy their tickets./ •/Tom set the chairs in line along the wall./ •/The carpenter put the edges of the boards in line./

[in line(2)]{adj. phr.} 1. In a position in a series or after someone else. •/John is in line for the presidency of the club next year./ •/Mary is fourth in line to be admitted to the sorority./ 2. Obeying or agreeing with what is right or usual; doing or being what people expect or accept; within ordinary or proper limits. •/The coach kept the excited team in line./ •/When the teacher came back into the room, she quickly brought the class back in line./ •/The government passed a new law to keep prices in line./ Compare: IN HAND. Contrast: OUT OF LINE.

[in line with]{prep.} In agreement with. •/Behavior at school parties must be in line with school rules./ •/In line with the custom of the school, the students had a holiday between Christmas and New Year’s Day./

[in love]{adj. phr.} Liking very much; loving. •/John is in love with Helen./ •/Tom and Ellen arc in love./ •/Mary is in love with her new wristwatch./

[in luck]{adj. phr.} Being lucky; having good luck; finding something good by chance. •/Bill was in luck when he found the money on the street./ •/Mary dropped her glasses and they did not break. She was in luck./

[in memory of]{prep.} As something that makes people remember (a person or thing); as a reminder of; as a memorial to. •/The building was named Ford Hall in memory of a man named James Ford./ •/Many special ceremonies are in memory of famous men./

[in midair] See: UP IN THE AIR(2).

[in mind]{adv. phr.} 1. In the center of your thought; in your close attention. •/You have to be home by 11 o’clock. Keep that in mind, Bob./ •/Mary is studying hard with a good grade in mind./ •/Bear in mind the rules of safety when you swim./ Compare: ON ONE’S MIND. 2. See: PUT IN MIND OF.

[in mint condition]{adj. phr.} Excellent; as good as new. •/Grandma seldom uses her car; it is already ten years old, but it is still in mint condition./

[in my book] See: BY MY BOOK.

[in name]{adj.} or {adv. phr.} Having a title, but not really doing what someone with the title is expected to do. •/The old man is a doctor in name only. He does not have patients now./ •/He was the captain of the team in name only./

[in need of]{adj. phr.} Destitute; lacking something. •/The young girl is so ill that she is seriously in need of medical attention./

[inner city]{n.}, {colloquial} Densely populated neighborhoods in large metropolitan areas inhabited by low income families usually of minority backgrounds, such as Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, or African Americans; characterized by slums and government-owned high rises. •/Joe comes from the inner city — he may need help with his reading./

[in nothing flat] See: IN NO TIME.

[in no time] or [in nothing flat] {adv. phr.}, {informal} In a very little time; soon; quickly. •/When the entire class worked together they finished the project in no time./ •/The bus filled with students in nothing flat./

[in no uncertain terms] See: IN SO MANY WORDS(2).

[in on]{prep.} 1. Joining together for. •/The children collected money from their classmates and went in on a present for their teacher./ 2. Told about; having knowledge of. •/Bob was in on the secret./ •/The other girls wouldn’t let Mary in on what they knew./

[in one ear and out the other] See: GO IN ONE EAR AND OUT THE OTHER.

[in one fell swoop] or [at one fell swoop] {adv. phr.} 1. {literary} In one attack or accident; in one bad blow. •/The millionaire lost his money and his friends at one fell swoop./ 2. At one time; at the same time. •/Three cars drove into the driveway, and Mrs. Crane’s dinner guests all arrived at one fell swoop./

[in one’s bad graces]{adj. phr.} Not approved by; not liked by. •/John was in his mother’s bad graces because he spilled his milk on the tablecloth./ •/Don got in the bad graces of the teacher by laughing at her hat./ Compare: DOWN ON, IN BAD, OUT OF FAVOR. Contrast: IN ONE S GOOD GRACES.

[in one’s behalf] or [on one’s behalf] {adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. For someone else; in your place. •/My husband could not be here tonight, but I want to thank you on his behalf./ 2. For the good of another person or group; as a help to someone. •/My teacher went to the factory and spoke in my behalf when I was looking for a job./ Compare: IN BEHALF OF, ON ONE’S ACCOUNT.

[in one’s blood] or [into one’s blood] {adv. phr.} Agreeing perfectly with one’s sympathies, feelings, and desires. •/Living in a warm section of the country gets in your blood./ •/The woods got into Jim’s blood./ Contrast: OUT OF ONE’S BLOOD.

[in one’s bones] See: FEEL IN ONE’S BONES.

[in one’s boots] See: DIE IN ONE’S BOOTS or DIE WITH ONE’S BOOTS ON, IN ONE’S SHOES also IN ONE’S BOOTS.

[in one’s craw] or [in one’s crop] See: STICK IN ONE’S CRAW or STICK IN ONE’S CROP.

[in one’s cups]{adj. phr.}, {literary} Drunk. •/The man was in his cups and talking very loudly./

[in one’s element]{adv. phr.} 1. In one’s natural surroundings. •/The deep-sea fish is in his element in deep ocean water./ 2. Where you can do your best. •/John is in his element working on the farm./ Compare: AT HOME 2. Contrast: OUT OF ONE’S ELEMENT.

[in one’s face]{adv. phr.} 1. Against your face. •/The trick cigar blew up in the clown’s face./ •/A cold wind was in our faces as we walked to school./ 2. In front of you. •/The maid slammed the door in the salesman’s face./ •/I told the boys that they were wrong, but they laughed in my face./ Compare: IN THE FACE OF, THROW SOMETHING IN ONE’S FACE, TO ONE’S FACE, UNDER ONE’S NOSE.

[in one’s favor]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} In a way that is good for you. •/Both teams claimed the point, but the referee decided in our favor./ •/Bob made good grades in high school, and that was in his favor when he looked for a job./ Compare: COME ONE’S WAY.

[in one’s footsteps] See: FOLLOW IN ONE’S FOOTSTEPS.

[in one’s glory]{adj. phr.} Pleased and contented with yourself. •/When John won the race, he was in his glory./ •/Tom is very vain, and praise puts him in his glory./

[in one’s good books] See: IN ONE’S GOOD GRACES.

[in one’s good graces] or [in one’s good books] {adv. phr.} Approved of by you; liked by someone. •/Ruth is in her mother’s good graces because she ate all her supper./ •/Bill is back in the good graces of his girlfriend because he gave her a box of candy./ Compare: IN GOOD. Contrast: IN ONE’S BAD GRACES.

[in one’s grave] See: TURN IN ONE’S GRAVE or TURN OVER IN ONE’S GRAVE.

[in one’s hair]{adj. phr.}, {informal} Bothering you again and again; always annoying. •/Johnny got in Father’s hair when he was trying to read the paper by running and shouting./ •/The grown-ups sent the children out to play so that the children wouldn’t be in their hair while they were talking./ Compare: GIVE A HARD TIME, IN ONE’S WAY. Contrast: OUT OF ONE’S HAIR.

[in one’s hands] See: TAKE ONE’S LIFE IN ONE’S HANDS.

[in one’s heart of hearts]{adv. phr.} Deep down where it really matters; in one’s innermost feelings. •/In my heart of hearts, I think you’re the nicest person in the whole world./

[in one’s mind’s eye]{adv. phr.} In the memory; in the imagination. •/In his mind’s eye he saw again the house he had lived in when he was a child./ •/In his mind’s eye, he could see just what the vacation was going to be like./

[in one’s mouth] See: BUTTER WOULDN’T MELT IN ONE’S MOUTH, MELT IN ONE’S MOUTH.

[in one’s own juice] See: STEW IN ONE’S OWN JUICE.

[in one’s right mind]{adj. phr.} Accountable; sane and sober. •/If you were in your right mind, you wouldn’t be saying such stupid things to our boss./

[in one’s shell] or [into one’s shell] {adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In or into bashfulness; into silence; not sociable; unfriendly. •/After Mary’s mother scolded her, she went into her shell./ •/The teacher tried to get Rose to talk to her, but she stayed in her shell./ Contrast: OUT OF ONE’S SHELL.

[in one’s shoes] also [in one’s boots] {adv. phr.} In or into one’s place or position. •/How would you like to be in a lion tamer’s boots?/ Compare: PUT ONESELF IN ANOTHER’S PLACE, STEP INTO ONE’S SHOES.

[in one’s sleeve] See: UP ONE’S SLEEVE.

[in one’s tracks]{adv. phr.}, {informal} 1. Just where one is at the moment; abruptly; immediately. •/The hunter’s rifle cracked and the rabbit dropped in his tracks./ •/Mary stopped dead in her tracks, turned around, and ran back home./ Syn.: ON THE SPOT(1), THEN AND THERE. 2. See: FOLLOW IN ONE’S FOOTSTEPS.

[in one’s way]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Within reach; likely to be met; before you. •/The chance to work for a printer was put in my way./ Compare: PUT IN THE WAY OF. 2. or [in the way] In your path as a hindrance; placed so as to block the way. •/Fred tried to get to the door, but the table was in the way./ •/A tree had fallen across the street and was in Jim’s way as he drove./ •/Mary tried to clean the house, but the baby was always in the way./

[in order]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In arrangement; in the proper way of following one another. •/Come to my desk in alphabetical order as I call your names./ •/Line up and walk to the door in order./ •/Name all the presidents in order./ Compare: IN TURN. 2. In proper condition. •/The car was in good working order when I bought it./ •/The club leader looked at the club treasurer’s records of money collected and spent, and found them all in order./ Compare: IN COMMISSION(2), PUT ONE’S HOUSE IN ORDER. 3. Following the rules; proper; suitable. •/Is it in order to ask the speaker questions at the meeting?/ •/At the end of a program, applause for the performers is in order./ Compare: IN PLACE. Contrast: OUT OF ORDER. 4. See: PUT ONE’S HOUSE IN ORDER or SET ONE’S HOUSE IN ORDER.

[in order that] See: SO THAT(1).

[in order to] or [so as to] {conj.} For the purpose of; to. — Used with an infinitive. •/In order to follow the buffalo, the Indians often had to move their camps./ •/We picked apples so as to make a pie./ Compare: SO THAT.

[in part]{adv. phr.} To some extent; partly; not wholly. — Often used with "large" or "small". •/We planted the garden in pan with flowers. But in large part we planted vegetables./ •/Tom was only in small part responsible./

[in particular]{adv. phr.} In a way apart from others; more than others; particularly; especially. •/The speaker talked about sports in general and about football In particular./ •/All the boys played well and Bill in particular./ •/Margaret liked all her classes, but she liked sewing class in particular./ Contrast: IN GENERAL.

[in passing]{adv. phr.} While talking about that subject; as extra information; also. •/Our teacher showed us different kinds of flowers and told us in passing that those flowers came from her garden./ •/The writer of the story says he grew up in New York and mentions in passing that his parents came from Italy./ Compare: BY THE WAY.

[in person] also [in the flesh] {adv. phr.} Yourself; personally. •/A TV actor appeared in person today in school./ •/The governor cannot march in the parade in person today, but his wife wilt march./ Compare: FACE-TO-FACE(2). Contrast: INSTEAD OF.

[in place(1)]{adv. phr.} 1a. In the right or usual place or position. •/Nothing is in place after the earthquake. Even trees and houses are turned over./ •/The picture is not in place on the wall. It is crooked./ 1b. In one place. •/Our first exercise in gym class was running in place./ 2. In proper order. •/Stay in place in line, children./ Compare: IN ORDER. Contrast: OUT OF PLACE.

[in place(2)]{adj. phr.} In the right place or at the right time; suitable; timely. •/A dog is not in place in a church./ •/Linda wondered if it would be in place to wish the bride good luck after the wedding./ Compare: IN ORDER(1). Contrast: OUT OF PLACE.

[in place of] See: INSTEAD OF.

[in plain English]{adv. phr.} Plainly; simply; in clear language. •/Stop healing around the bush and saying that John "prevaricates"; in plain English he is a liar./

[in poor shape]{adv. phr.} In a bad condition. •/Most of the streets of Chicago are in poor shape due to the heavy snow and frost during the winters./

[in practice(1)] also [into practice] {adv. phr.} In actual doing. •/The idea sounds good but will it work in practice?/ •/It is easy to say that we will he good. It is harder to put the saying into practice./

[in practice(2)]{adj. phr.} In proper condition to do something well through practice. •/A pianist gets his fingers in practice by playing scales./ •/An ice-skater keeps in practice by skating every day./ Compare: IN SHAPE. Contrast: OUT OF PRACTICE.

[in print]{adj. phr.} Obtainable in printed form from a printer or publisher; printed. •/The author has finished writing his book but it is not yet in print./ •/The story of the students' trip to Washington appeared in print in the newspaper./ •/It is a very old book and no longer in print./ Contrast: OUT OF PRINT.

[in private]{adj.} or {adv. phr.} Not openly or in public; apart from others; confidentially; secretly. •/Mr. Jones waited until they were home in private before he punished his son./ •/The teacher told Susan that she wanted to talk to her in private after class./ Compare: IN SECRET. Contrast: IN PUBLIC.

[in progress]{adj. phr.} Going ahead; being made or done; happening. •/Plans are in progress to build a new school next year./ •/A dog ran out on the playing field while the game was in progress./ Contrast: IN CHECK.

[in public]{adv. phr.} 1. In a place open to the people; in such a way that the public may see, hear, or know; not secretly; openly. •/Two boys down the street are dancing in public for pennies./ •/Actors are used to appearing in public./ •/The mayor has told his friends that he is sick but will not admit it in public./ Contrast: IN PRIVATE. 2. See: AIR ONE’S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC or WASH ONE’S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC.

[in question]{adj. phr.} 1. In doubt; in dispute; being argued about or examined. •/I know Bill would he a good captain for the team. That is not in question. But does he want to be captain?/ Contrast: BEYOND QUESTION. 2. Under discussion; being talked or thought about. •/The girls in question are not in school today./ •/On the Christmas Day in question, we could not go to Grandmother’s house, as we do every year./

[in quest of] See: IN SEARCH OF.

[in reason]{adv. phr.}, {formal} Following the rules of reasoning; sensibly; reasonably. •/One cannot in reason doubt that freedom is better than slavery./

[in reference to] or [with reference to] or [in regard to ] or [with regard to] {prep.} In connection with; from the standpoint of; concerning; regarding; about. •/I am writing with reference to your last letter./ •/He spoke in reference to the Boy Scouts./ •/I spoke to him with regard to his low marks./ •/In regard to the test tomorrow, it is postponed./ Compare: IN RELATION TO, IN RESPECT TO.

[in regard to] See: IN REFERENCE TO.

[in relation to] or [with relation to] {prep.} In connection with; in dealing with; as concerns; in comparison to; respecting; about. •/Father spoke about school in relation to finding a job when we are older./ •/What did you say in relation to what happened yesterday?/ •/With relation to his job, skill is very important./ •/In relation to Texas, Rhode Island is quite a small state./ Compare: IN REFERENCE TO, IN RESPECT TO.

[in respect to] or [with respect to] In connection with; related to, about; on. •/The teacher told stories about Washington and Lincoln in respect to the importance of being honest./ •/In respect to your visit with us, we hope you can come before September./ •/There was no shortage in respect to food./ Compare: AS TO, IN REFERENCE TO, IN RELATION TO.

[in return]{adv. phr.} In order to give back something; as payment; in recognition or exchange. — Often used with "for". •/Bud gave me his knife and I gave him marbles in return./ •/The lady helped Mother when she was sick and in return Mother often invited her to dinner./ •/How much did John give you in return for your bicycle?/ •/I hit him in return for the time he hit me./ •/I wrote Dad a letter and got a package in return./

[in reverse]{adj.} or {adv. phr.} In a backward direction; backward. •/John hit the tree behind him when he put the car in reverse without looking first./ •/The first of the year Bob did well in school but then he started moving in reverse./

[in round figures]{adv. phr.} As an estimated number; as a rounded-off figure containing no decimals or fractions. •/Skip the cents and just tell me in round figures how much this car repair will cost./

[in round numbers] See: IN ROUND FIGURES.

[ins and outs]{n. phr.} The special ways of going somewhere or doing something; the different parts. •/The janitor knows all the ins and outs of the big school building./ •/Jerry’s father is a good life insurance salesman; he knows all the ins and outs of the business./

[in search of] or {literary} [in quest of] {prep.} Seeking or looking for; in pursuit of. •/Many men went West in search of gold./ •/The hunter stayed in the woods all day in quest of game./ •/We looked everywhere in search of our dog./

[in season]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. {literary} At the proper or best time. •/Fred’s father told him that he was not old enough yet but that he would learn to drive in season./ 2a. At the right or lawful time for hunting or catching. •/Deer will be in season next week./ •/In spring we’ll go fishing when trout are in season./ 2b. At the right time or condition for using, eating, or marketing; in a ripe or eatable condition. •/Christmas trees will be sold at the store in season./ •/Native tomatoes will be in season soon./ •/Oysters are in season during the "R" months./ Compare: IN GOOD TIME. Contrast: OUT OF SEASON.

[in secret]{adv. phr.} In a private or secret way; in a hidden place. •/The miser buried his gold in secret and no one knows where it is./ •/The robbers went away in secret after dark./ Compare: IN PRIVATE.

[in shape] or [in condition] {adj. phr.} In good condition; able to perform well. •/The football team will he in shape for the first game of the season./ •/Mary was putting her French in shape for the lest./ Compare: IN PRACTICE. Contrast: OUT OF SHAPE.

[in short] See: IN BRIEF.

[in short order]{adv. phr.} Without delay; quickly. •/Johnny got ready in short order after his father said that he could come to the ball game if he was ready in time./

[in short supply]{adj. phr.} Not enough; in too small a quantity or amount; in less than the amount or number needed. •/The cookies are in short supply, so don’t eat them all up./ •/We have five people and only four beds, so the beds are in short supply./

[inside] See: STEP INSIDE.

[inside and out] See: INS AND OUTS, INSIDE OUT(2).

[inside of]{prep.} In; within; on or in an inside part of; not beyond; before the end of. •/There is a broom inside of the closet./ •/There is a label on the inside of the box./ •/Hand your papers in to me inside of three days./ Contrast: OUTSIDE OF.

[inside out]{adv.} 1. So that the inside is turned outside. •/Mother turns the stockings inside out when she washes them./ 2. or [inside and out] also [in and out] In every part; throughout; completely. •/David knows the parts of his bicycle inside out./ •/We searched the house inside and out for the kitten./ Compare: BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS, INS AND OUTS, THROUGH AND THROUGH.

[inside track]{n. phr.} 1. The inside, shortest distance around a curved racetrack; the place that is closest to the inside fence. •/A big white horse had the inside track at the start of the race./ 2. {informal} An advantage due to special connections or information. •/I would probably get that job if I could get the inside track./

[insofar as ]{conj.} To the extent that; to the point that; as much as. •/You will learn your lessons only insofar as you are willing to keep studying them./

[in so many words]{adv. phr.} 1. In those exact words. •/He hinted that he thought we were foolish but did not say so in so many words./ 2. or [in no uncertain terms] In an outspoken way; plainly; directly. •/I told him in so many words that he was crazy./ •/Bob was very late for their date, and Mary told Bob in no uncertain terms what she thought of him./ Compare: WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE.

[in someone else’s shoes] See: IN ONE’S SHOES.

[insomuch as] See: INASMUCH AS.

[in spite of]{prep. phr.} Against the influence or effect of; in opposition to; defying the effect of; despite. •/In spite of the bad storm John delivered his papers on time./ •/In spite of all their differences, Joan and Ann remain friends./

[instance] See: FOR EXAMPLE or FOR INSTANCE.

[in state] See: LIE IN STATE.

[instead of] or [in place of] also {formal} [in lieu of] {prep.} In the place of; in substitution for; in preference to; rather than. •/I wore mittens instead of gloves./ •/The grown-ups had coffee but the children wanted milk in place of coffee./ •/The boys went fishing instead of going to school./ •/The Vice-President talked at the meeting in place of the President, because the President was sick./ •/The magician appeared on the program in lieu of a singer./ Compare: IN PERSON.

[in step]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. With the left or right foot stepping at the same time as another’s or to the beat of music; in matching strides with another person or persons. •/The long line of soldiers marched all in step: Left, right! Left, right!/ •/Johnny marched behind the band in step to the music./ 2. In agreement; abreast. — Often followed by "with". •/Mary wanted to stay in step with her friends and have a doll too./ Contrast: OUT OF STEP.

[in stitches]{adj. phr.}, {informal} Laughing so hard that the sides ache; in a fit of laughing hard. •/The comedian was so funny that he had everyone who was watching him in stitches./

[in stock]{adj. phr.} Having something ready to sell dr use; in present possession or supply; to be sold. •/The store had no more red shoes in stock, so Mary chose brown ones instead./ Compare: IN STORE, ON HAND. Contrast: OUT OF STOCK.

[in store]{adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. Saved up in case of need; ready for use or for some purpose. •/If the electricity goes off, we have candles in store in the closet./ •/The squirrel has plenty of nuts in store for the winter./ Compare: IN RESERVE, IN STOCK, ON HAND. 2. Ready to happen; waiting. — Often used in the phrase "hold in store" or "have in store". •/What does the future hold in store for the boy who ran away?/ •/There is a surprise in store for Helen when she gets home./

[in stride] See: TAKE IN STRIDE.

[in substance]{adv. phr.} In important facts; in the main or basic parts; basically; really. •/In substance the weather report said that it will be a nice day tomorrow./ •/The two cars are the same in substance, except one is red and the other is red and white./

[insult] See: ADD INSULT TO INJURY.

[intent] See: TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES.

[in terms of]{prep.} 1. In the matter of; on the subject of; especially about; about. •/He spoke about books in terms of their publication./ •/What have you done in terms affixing the house?/ •/The children ate a great many hot dogs at the party. In terms of money, they ate $20 worth./ 2. As to the amount or number of. •/We swam a great distance. In terms of miles, it was three./

[in that]{conj.} For the reason that; because. •/I like the city, but I like the country better in that I have more friends in the country./

[in the air]{adv. phr.} 1. In everyone’s thoughts. •/Christmas was in the air for weeks before./ •/The war filled people’s thoughts every day; it was in the air./ Compare: IN THE WIND. 2. Meeting the bodily senses; surrounding you so as to be smelled or felt. •/Spring is in the air./ •/Rain is in the air./ 3. See: LEAVE HANGING, UP IN THE AIR.

[in the back] See: STAB IN THE BACK.

[in the bag]{adj. phr.}, {informal} Sure to be won or gotten; certain. •/Jones had the election in the bag after the shameful news about his opponent came out./ •/We thought we had the game in the bag./ Compare: SEWED UP.

[in the balance] See: HANG IN THE BALANCE.

[in the bargain] or [into the bargain] {adv. phr.} In addition; besides; also. •/Frank is a teacher, and an artist into the bargain./ •/The heat failed, and then the roof began to leak in the bargain./ Compare: TO BOOT, FOR GOOD MEASURE.

[in the black]{adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In a successful or profitable way; so as to make money. •/The big store was running in the black./ •/A business must stay in the black to keep on./ Contrast: IN THE RED.

[in the blood] See: RUN IN THE BLOOD or RUN IN THE FAMILY.

[in the bud] See: NIP IN THE BUD.

[in the can]{adj.}, {slang}, {movie jargon} Ready; finished; completed; about to be duplicated and distributed to exhibitors. •/No sneak previews until it’s all in the can!/ •/Once my book’s in the can, I’ll go for a vacation./

[in the cards] also [on the cards] {adj. phr.}, {informal} To be expected; likely to happen; foreseeable; predictable. •/It was in the cards for the son to succeed his father as head of the business./ •/John finally decided that it wasn’t in the cards for him to succeed with that company./

[in the charge of] See: IN CHARGE OF(2).

[in the chips]{slang} or {informal} [in the money] {adj. phr.} Having plenty of money; prosperous; rich. •/After his rich uncle died, Richard was in the chips./ •/After years of struggle and dependence, air transportation is in the money./ Compare: ON EASY STREET, WELL-TO-DO.

[in the circumstances] See: UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

[in the clear]{adj. phr.} 1. Free of anything that makes moving or seeing difficult; with nothing to limit action. •/The plane climbed above the clouds and was flying in the clear./ •/Jack passed the ball to Tim, who was in the clear and ran for a touchdown./ 2. {informal} Free of blame or suspicion; not thought to be guilty. •/After John told the principal that he broke the window, Martin was in the clear./ •/Steve was the last to leave the locker room, and the boys suspected him of stealing Tom’s watch, but the coach found the watch and put Steve in the clear./ 3. Free of debt; not owing money to anyone. •/Bob borrowed a thousand dollars from his father to start his business, but at the end of the first year he was in the clear./ Syn.: IN THE BLACK.

[in the clouds]{adj. phr.} Far from real life; in dreams; in fancy; in thought. •/When Alice agreed to marry Jim, Jim went home in the clouds./ — Often used with "head", "mind", "thoughts". •/Mary is looking out the window, not at the chalkboard; her head is in the clouds again./ •/A good teacher should have his head in the clouds sometimes, but his feet always on the ground./ Contrast: COME BACK TO EARTH, FEET ON THE GROUND.

[in the clover] See: IN CLOVER.

[in the cold] See: OUT IN THE COLD.

[in the cold light of day]{adv. phr.} After sleeping on it; after giving it more thought; using common sense and looking at the matter unemotionally and realistically. •/Lost night my ideas seemed terrific, but in the cold light of day I realize that they won’t work./

[in the dark]{adj. phr.} 1. In ignorance; without information. •/John was in the dark about the job he was being sent to./ •/If the government controls the news, it can keep people in the dark on any topic it chooses./ •/Mary had a letter from Sue yesterday, but she was left in the dark about Sue’s plans to visit her./ Contrast: IN THE KNOW. See: WHISTLE IN THE DARK.

[in the doghouse]{adj. phr.}, {slang} In disgrace or disfavor. •/Our neighbor got in the doghouse with his wife by coming home drunk./ •/Jerry is in the doghouse because he dropped the ball, and the other team won because of that./ Compare: DOWN ON.

[in the door] See: FOOT IN THE DOOR.

[in the driver’s seat]{adv. phr.} In control; having the power to make decisions. •/Stan is in the driver’s seat now that he has been made our supervisor at the factory./

[in the dumps] See: DOWN IN THE DUMPS.

[in the event] See: IN CASE(1).

[in the event of] See: IN CASE OF.

[in the eye] See: LOOK IN THE EYE.

[in the face] See: BLUE IN THE FACE, LOOK IN THE EYE or LOOK IN THE FACE, SLAP IN THE FACE, STARE IN THE FACE.

[in the face of]{adv. phr.} 1. When met or in the presence of; threatened by. •/He was brave in the face of danger./ •/She began to cry in the face of failure./ 2. Although opposed by; without being stopped by. •/Talking continued even in the face of the teacher’s command to stop./ Syn.: IN SPITE OF. Compare: FLY IN THE FACE OF, IN ONE’S FACE. 3. See: FLY IN THE PACE OF.

[in the family] See: RUN IN THE BLOOD or RUN IN THE FAMILY.

[in the first place]{adv. phr.} 1. Before now; in the beginning; first. •/You already ate breakfast! Why didn’t you tell me that in the first place instead of saying you didn’t want to eat?/ •/Carl patched his old football but it soon leaked again. He should have bought a new one in the first place./ 2. See: IN THE PLACE.

[in the flesh] See: IN PERSON.

[in the groove]{adj. phr.}, {slang} Doing something very well; near perfection; at your best. •/The band was right in the groove that night./ •/It was an exciting football game; every player was really in the groove./

[in the hole]{adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} 1a. Having a score lower than zero in a game, especially a card game; to a score below zero. •/John went three points in the hole on the first hand of the card game./ 1b. Behind an opponent; in difficulty in a sport or game. •/We had their pitcher in the hole with the bases full and no one out./ Compare: ON THE SPOT. 2. In debt; behind financially. •/John went in the hole with his hot dog stand./ •/It’s a lot easier to get in the hole than to get out again./ Compare: IN A HOLE, IN THE RED. Contrast: OUT OF THE HOLE.

[in the know]{adj. phr.}, {informal} Knowing about things that most people do not know about; knowing secrets or understanding a special subject. •/Tina helped Professor Smith make some of the exam questions, and she felt important to be in the know./ •/In a print shop, Mr. Harvey is in the know, but in a kitchen he can’t even cook an egg./ Compare: GET WISE. Contrast: IN THE DARK.

[in the lap of luxury]{adv. phr.} Well supplied with luxuries; having most things that money can buy. •/Mike grew up in the lap of luxury./ Compare: ON EASY STREET, WELL-TO-DO.

[in the lap of the gods] also [on the knees of the gods] {adv. phr.}, {literary} Beyond human control; not to be decided by anyone. •/Frank had worked hard as a candidate, and as election day came he felt that the result was in the lap of the gods./ •/The armies were evenly matched and the result of the battle seemed to be on the knees of the gods./

[in the least]{adv. phr.} Even a little; in any degree or amount. — Used in negative, interrogative, and conditional sentences. •/Sue did not understand physics in the least./ •/Are you in the least interested in sewing?/ •/Mother won’t be upset if you come for supper; I’ll be surprised if she cares in the least./ •/Mike was not upset in the least by the storm./ •/It is no trouble to help you. Not in the least./ Compare: AT ALL.

[in the line of duty]{adj. phr.} Done or happening as part of a job. •/The policeman was shot in the line of duty./ •/The soldier had to clean his rifle in the line of duty./

[in the long run]{adv. phr.} In the end; in the final result. •/John knew that lie could make a success of the little weekly paper in the long run./ •/You may make good grades by studying only before examinations, but you will succeed in the long run only by studying hard every day./

[in the lurch] See: LEAVE IN THE LURCH.

[in the main]{adv. phr.}, {formal} In most cases; generally; usually. •/In the main, small boys and dogs are good friends./ •/In the main, the pupils did well on the test./

[in the market for]{adj. phr.} Wishing to buy; ready to buy. •/Mr. Jones is in the market for a new car./ •/People are always in the market for entertainment./

[in the middle]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} In between two sides of an argument; caught between two dangers. •/Mary found herself in the middle of the quarrel between Joyce and Ethel./ •/John promised Tom to go fishing, but his father wanted him to help at home. John was in the middle./

[in the middle of nowhere]{adv. phr.} In a deserted, faraway place. •/When my car stopped on the highway in the middle of nowhere, it took forever to get help./

[in the money] See: IN THE CHIPS.

[in the mood (for)]{adj. phr.} 1. Interested in doing something. •/Sorry, I’m just not in the mood for a heavy dinner tonight./ 2. Feeling sexy. •/I am sorry, darling, I am just not in the mood tonight./

[in the mouth] See: LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH.

[in the neck] See: CATCH IT IN THE NECK or GET IT IN THE NECK.

[in the nick of time]{adv. phr.} Just at the right time; barely soon enough; almost too late. •/The doctor arrived in the nick of time to save the child from choking to death./ •/Joe saw the other car in the nick of time./ Compare: IN TIME.

[in the pink] or [in the pink of condition] {adj. phr.}, {informal} In excellent health; strong and well; in fine shape. •/Mr. Merrick had aged well; he was one of those old men who always seem in the pink of condition./ •/After a practice and a rubdown, Joe felt in the pink./

[in the --- place]{adv. phr.} As the (first or second or third, etc.) thing in order or importance; first, second, or third, etc. — Used with "first", "second", "third", and other ordinal numbers. •/No, you cannot go swimming. In the first place, the water is too cold; and, in the second place, there is not time enough before dinner./ •/Stealing is wrong, in the first place, because it hurts others, and, in the second place, because it hurts you./ Compare: FOR ONE THING.

[in the prime of life]{adv. phr.} At the peak of one’s creative abilities; during the most productive years. •/Poor John lost his job due to restructuring when he was in the prime of his life./

[in the public eye]{adj. phr.} Widely known; often seen in public activity; much in the news. •/The senator’s activity kept him in the public eye./ •/A big league ballplayer is naturally much in the public eye./

[in the raw]{adj.} or {adv. phr.} 1. In the simplest or most natural way; with no frills. •/Henry enjoyed going into the woods and living life in the raw./ 2. {informal} Without any clothing; naked. •/In the summer the boys slept in the raw./

[in the red]{adv.} or {adj. phr.}, {informal} In an unprofitable way; so as to lose money. •/A large number of American radio stations operate in the red./ •/A rich man who has a farm or ranch often runs it in the red, but makes his money with his factory or business./ Contrast: IN THE BLACK. (From the fact that people who keep business records usually write in red ink how much money they lose and in black ink how much money they gain.)

[in the right]{adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth on your side; in agreement with justice, truth, or fact; correct. •/When the cars collided, John was clearly in the right./ •/In going before his wife down the stairs, Mr. Franklin was in the right./ •/In many disputes, it is hard to say who is in the right./ Contrast: IN THE WRONG.

[in the rough] See: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.

[in the running]{adj.} or {adv. phr.} Having a chance to win; not to be counted out; among those who might win. •/At the beginning of the last lap of the race, only two horses were still in the running./ •/A month before Joyce married Hal, three of Joyce’s boyfriends seemed to be still in the running./ •/Al was in the running for the trophy until the last hole of the golf tournament./ Contrast: OUT OF THE RUNNING.

[in the saddle] adv. or {adj. phr.} In command; in control; in a position to order or boss others. •/Mr. Park was in the saddle when he had over half the company’s stock./ •/Getting appointed chief of police put Stevens in the saddle./

[in the same boat]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} In the same trouble; in the same fix; in the same bad situation. •/When the town’s one factory closed and hundreds of people lost their jobs, all the storekeepers were in the same boat./ •/Dick was disappointed when Fern refused to marry him, but he knew others were in the same boat./

[in the same breath]{adv. phr.} 1. At the same time; without waiting. •/John would complain about hard times, and in the same breath boast of his prize-winning horses./ •/Jane said Bill was selfish, but in the same breath she said she was sorry to see him leave./ 2. In the same class; in as high a group. — Usually used in the negative with "mention", "speak", or "talk". •/Mary is a good swimmer, but she should not be mentioned in the same breath with Joan./

[in the same place] See: LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE IN THE SAME PLACE.

[in the sand] See: HIDE ONE’S HEAD IN THE SAND.

[in the second place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.

[in the short run]{adv. phr.} In the immediate future. •/We are leasing a car in the short run; later we might buy one./ Contrast: IN THE LONG RUN.

[in the soup]{adj. phr.}, {slang} In serious trouble; in confusion; in disorder. •/When his wife overdrew their bank account without telling him, Mr. Phillips suddenly found himself really in the soup./ •/The police misunderstood Harry’s night errand, and arrested him, which put him in the soup with the boss./

[in the spotlight]{adv. phr.} In the center of attention, with everybody watching what one is doing. •/It must be difficult for the President to be in the spotlight wherever he goes./ Compare: IN THE LIMELIGHT.

[in the swim]{adj. phr.} Doing the same things that other people are doing; following the fashion (as in business or social affairs); busy with what most people are doing. •/Jim found some college friends at the lake that summer, and soon was in the swim of things./ •/Mary went to New York with introductions to writers and artists, and that winter she was quite in the swim./ Contrast: OUT OF THE SWIM.

[in the third place] See: IN THE --- PLACE.

[in the till] See: ROB THE TILL or HAVE ONE’S HAND IN THE TILL.

[in the twinkling of an eye] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON.

[in the wake of]{prep.}, {literary} As a result of; right after; following. •/Many troubles follow in the wake of war./ •/There were heavy losses of property in the wake of the flood./

[in the way] See: IN ONE’S WAY.

[in the way of] See: PUT IN THE WAY OF.

[in the wind]{adj. phr.} Seeming probable; being planned; soon to happen. •/Changes in top management of the company had been in the wind for weeks./ •/Tom’s close friends knew that marriage was in the wind./ Compare: IN THE AIR(1).

[in the works]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} In preparation; being planned or worked on; in progress. •/John was told that the paving of his street was in the works./ •/It was reported that the playwright had a new play in the works./ •/The manager told the employees that a raise in wages was in the works./ Compare: UNDER WAY.

[in the world] or [on earth] {adv. phr.}, {informal} Of all possible things; ever. — Usually used for emphasis after words that ask questions, as "who", "why", "what", etc. •/Where in the world did you find that necktie?/ •/The boys wondered how on earth the mouse got out of the cage./ •/Betty could not understand what on earth the teacher meant./

[in the wrong]{adj. phr.} With moral or legal right or truth against you; against justice, truth, or fact; wrong. •/In attacking a smaller boy, Jack was plainly in the wrong./ •/Mary was in the wrong to drink from a finger bowl./ •/Since he had put pennies behind the fuses, Bill was in the wrong when fire broke out./ Compare: OUT OF THE WAY. Contrast: IN THE RIGHT.

[in time]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. Soon enough. •/We got to Washington in time for the cherry blossoms./ •/We got to the station just in time to catch the bus./ •/John liked to get to work in good time and talk. to the man who worked on his machine before him./ 2. In the end; after a while; finally. •/Fred and Jim did not like each other at first, but in time they became friends./ 3. In the right rhythm; in step. •/The marchers kept in time with the band./ •/Johnny didn’t play his piano piece in time./

[into account] See: TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.

[into a nose dive] See: oo INTO A TAIL SPIN or GO INTO A NOSE DIVE.

[into a tail spin] See: GO INTO A TAIL SPIN.

[into commission] See: IN COMMISSION.

[into effect]{adv. phr.} Into use or operation. •/The new rule was put into effect at once./ •/The judge ordered the old suspended penalty into effect./

[into hot water] See: HOT WATER.

[into line]{adv. phr.} 1. Into agreement. •/The department’s spending was brought into line with the budget./ 2. Under control. •/Independent congressmen were brought into line by warnings that jobs for their friends would be kept back./ •/The players who had broken training rules fell into line when the coach warned them that they would he put off the team./

[into one’s blood] See: IN ONE’S BLOOD.

[into one’s head] See: BEAT INTO ONE’S HEAD, TAKE INTO ONE’S HEAD.

[into one’s own] See: COME INTO ONE’S OWN.

[into one’s own hands] See: TAKE THE LAW INTO ONE’S OWN HANDS.

[into one’s shell] See: IN ONE’S SHELL.

[into one’s shoes] See: STEP INTO ONE’S SHOES.

[into practice] See: IN PRACTICE.

[into question]{adv. phr.} Into doubt or argument. — Usually used with "call", "bring" or "come". •/This soldier’s courage has never been called into question./ •/If a boy steals, his parents' teaching comes into question./

[into the bargain] See: IN THE BARGAIN.

[into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE.

[into the ground] See: RUN INTO THE GROUND.

[into the hands of] See: PLAY INTO THE HANDS OF.

[into thin air]{adv. phr.} Without anything left; completely. •/When Bob returned to the room, he was surprised to find that his books had vanished into thin air./ Compare: OUT OF THIN AIR.

[in toto]{adv. phr.} As a whole; in its entirety; totally; altogether. •/The store refused the advertising agency’s suggestion in toto./ •/They bought the newspaper business in toto./ •/The paving job was accepted in toto./ (Latin, meaning "in the whole.")

[in touch]{adj. phr.} Talking or writing to each other; giving and getting news. •/John kept in touch with his school friends during the summer./ •/Police anywhere in the U.S. can get in touch instantly with any other police department by teletype./ •/The man claimed to be in touch with people on another planet./ Compare: KEEP TRACK. Contrast: OUT OF TOUCH.

[in tow]{adj. phr.} 1. Being pulled. •/The tugboat had the large ocean liner in tow as they came into the harbor./ •/An engine came with a long string of cars in tow./ 2. Being taken from place to place; along with someone. •/Janet took the new girl in tow and showed her where to go./ •/Mrs. Hayes went to the supermarket with her four little children in tow./

[in trust]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} In safe care for another. •/The money was held by the hank in trust for the widow./ •/At his death Mr. Brown left a large sum in trust for his son until he was twenty-five./

[in tune]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. At the proper musical pitch; high or low enough in sound. •/The piano is in tune./ 2. Going well together; in agreement; matching; agreeable. — Often used with "with". •/In his new job, John felt in tune with his surroundings and his associates./ Contrast: OUT OF TUNE.

[in turn]{adv. phr.} According to a settled order; each following another. •/Each man in turn got up and spoke./ •/Two teachers supervised the lunch hour in turn./ •/Two of the three boys tease their younger brother — John, the biggest, teases Bob, the middle boy; and Bob in turn teases Tim, the youngest./ Compare: IN ORDER.

[in two]{adv. phr.} Into two parts or pieces; into two divisions. •/John and Mary pulled on the wishbone until it came in two./ •/There was only one piece of cake, but we cut it in two./ Syn.: IN HALF.

[in two shakes of a lamb’s tail]{adv.}, {informal} Quickly; in no time at all. •/I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail./

[in --- up to the] See: UP TO THE --- IN.

[in vain]{adv. phr.} 1. Without effect; without getting the desired result; without success. •/The drowning man called in vain for help./ •/To cry over spilled milk is to cry in vain./ Compare: GO FOR NOTHING, NO USE. 2. See: TAKE ONE’S NAME IN VAIN.

[in view]{adv.} or {adj. phr.} 1. In sight; visible. •/We came around a bend and there was the ocean in view./ 2. As a purpose, hope, or expectation. •/John had his son’s education in view when he began to save money./ •/The end that we must keep always in view is peace with justice./ Compare: EYE TO.

[in view of]{prep.} After thinking about; because of. •/Schools were closed for the day in view of the heavy snowstorm./ •/In view of rising labor costs, many companies have turned to automation./ Syn.: IN THE LIGHT OF.

[in virtue of] See: BY VIRTUE OF.

[in wait] See: LIE IN WAIT.

[in with]{prep.} In friendship, favor, or closeness with; in the trust or liking of. •/We trusted on Byrd’s being in with the mayor, not knowing that the mayor no longer liked him./ •/It took the new family some time to get in with their neighbors./

[I.O.U.]{adj. phr.} I owe you, abbreviated; a promissory note. •/I had to borrow some money from John and, in order to remind both of us, I wrote him an I.O.U. note for $250./

[Irish] See: GET ONE’S DANDER UP or GET ONE’S IRISH UP.

[iron horse]{n.}, {informal} A railroad locomotive; the engine of a railroad train. •/In its first days, the iron horse frightened many people as it roared across country scattering sparks./

[iron in the fire]{n. phr.} Something you are doing; one of the projects with which a person is busy; job, •/John had a number of irons in the fire, and he managed to keep all of them hot./ — Usually used in the phrase "too many irons in the fire". •/"Ed has a dozen things going all the time, but none of them seem to work out." "No wonder. He has too many irons in the fire."/

[iron out]{v.}, {informal} To discuss and reach an agreement about (a difference); find a solution for (a problem); remove (a difficulty). •/The company and its workers ironed out their differences over hours and pay./ •/The House and Senate ironed out the differences between their two different tax bills./ Compare: MAKE UP(5).

[is] See: SUCH AS IT IS, THAT IS.

[island] See: SAFETY ISLAND.

[issue] See: AT ISSUE, TAKE ISSUE.

[is that so]{informal} 1. Oh, indeed? That’s interesting. — Used in simple acceptance or reply. •/"The Republicans have pulled a trick at city hall." "Is that so?"/ 2. Surely not? — Used in disbelief or sarcasm. •/"The moon is made of green cheese." "Is that so?"/ •/"I’m going to take your girlfriend to the dance," said Bob. "Oh, is that so!" said Dick. "Try it and you’ll be sorry."/

[itching palm]{n.}, {slang} A wish for money; greed. •/He was born with an itching palm./ •/The bellboys in that hotel seem always to have itching palms./

[I tell you] See: I’LL SAY.

[I tell you what] See: I’LL TELL YOU WHAT.

[item] See: COLLECTOR’S ITEM, CONSUMER ITEMS.

[it figures]{informal sentence} It checks out; it makes sense; it adds up. •/It figures that Bob got the highest raise at our firm; he is the most productive salesman./

[it is an ill wind that blows nobody good] No matter how bad a happening is, someone can usually gain something from it. — A proverb. •/When Fred got hurt in the game John got a chance to play. It’s an ill wind that blows nobody good./

[it never rains but it pours] One good thing or bad thing is often followed by others of the same kind. — A proverb, •/John got sick, then his brothers and sisters all got sick. It never rains but it pours./

[it’s a cinch]{informal sentence} It is very easy. •/"What about the final exam?" Fred asked. "It was a cinch" Sam answered./ Compare: PIECE OF CAKE.

[it’s a deal]{informal sentence} Consider it done; OK; it is agreed. •/"How much for this used car?" Bill asked. "Two thousand," the man answered. "I’ll give $1,500," Bill said. "It’s a deal!" the owner answered as they sealed the transaction./

[it’s been ---, it’s been real]{informal} Shortened form for "it has been real nice (being with you)" — used colloquially between very close friends.

[itself] See: END IN ITSELF.

[it’s high time]{informal sentence} It is overdue. •/It is high time for John Browning to be promoted to full professor; he has written a great deal but his books went unnoticed./

[Ivy League]{n.} A small group of the older and more famous eastern U.S. colleges and universities. •/Several Ivy League teams play each other regularly each year./ •/Harvard, Yale, and Princeton were the original Ivy League./