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./ J [Jack] See: ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY. [jack] See: EVERY LAST MAN also EVERY MAN JACK. [jack of all trades] {n.}, {informal} (Often followed by the words "master of none.") A person who is knowledgeable in many areas. Can be used as praise, or as a derogatory remark depending on the context and the intonation. * /Peter is a jack of all trades; he can survive anywhere!/ * /"How come Joe did such a sloppy job?" Mary asked. "He's a jack of all trades," Sally answered./ [jackpot] See: HIT THE JACKPOT. [jack-rabbit start] {n.}, {informal} A very sudden start from a still position; a very fast start from a stop. * /Bob made a jack-rabbit start when the traffic light turned green./ [Jack Robinson] See: BEFORE ONE CAN SAY JACK ROBINSON. [jack up] {v.} 1. To lift with a jack. * /The man jacked up his car to fit a flat tire./ 2. {informal} To make (a price) higher; raise. * /Just before Christmas, some stores jack up their prices./ [jailbait] {n.}, {slang} A girl below the legal age of consent for sex; one who tempts you to intimacy which is punishable by imprisonment. * /Stay away from Arabella, she is a jailbait./ [jailbird] {n.}, {informal} A convict; someone who is in jail or has been recently released from prison. * /Because Harry was a jailbird, it was understandably hard for him to find a job after being imprisoned./ [jake flake] {n.}, {slang} A boring person whose company is usually not wanted. * /Please don't invite Turner, he is a jake flake./ [jar on] {v. phr.} To irritate. * /The constant construction noise was beginning to jar on the nerves of the members of the meeting./ [jaw] See: GLASS JAW. [jawbreaker] {n.} 1. A large piece of hard candy or bubblegum. * /Billy asked his mother for a quarter to buy some jawbreakers and a chocolate bar./ 2. [informal] A word or name that is hard to pronounce. * /His name, Nissequogue, is a real jawbreaker./ [jaw drop] or [jaw drop a mile] {informal} Mouth fall wide open with surprise. - Used with a possessive. * /Tom's jaw dropped a mile when he won the prize./ [jaws tight] {adj.}, {slang}, {informal} Angry; uptight; tense. * /Why are you getting your jaws so tight?/ [jazz up] {v.}, {slang} To brighten up; add more noise, movement, or color; make more lively or exciting. * /The party was very dull until Pete jazzed it up with his drums./ [Jehu] See: DRIVE LIKE JEHU. [jerk] or [jerker] See: SODA JERK or SODA JERKER. [jerry-built] {adj.} 1. Built poorly or carelessly of cheap materials; easily broken. * /That jerry-built cabin will blow apart in a strong wind./ 2. Done without careful preparation or thought; planned too quickly. * /When the regular television program didn't come on, a jerry-built program was substituted at the last minute./ [Jesus boots] or [Jesus shoes] {n.}, {slang} Men's sandals, particularly as worn by hippies and very casually dressed people. * /I dig your Jesus boots, man, they look cool./ [jig's up] See: GAME'S UP. [jim-dandy] {n.}, {slang} Something wonderful; something very good. * /Tommy's new boat is really a jim-dandy! I wish I had one like it./ [jink] See: HIGH JINKS. [job] See: DO A JOB ON, FALL DOWN ON THE JOB, LIE DOWN ON THE JOB, ON THE JOB. [Joe Doakes] {n.} A name used informally for the average man. * /Let us say that Joe Doakes goes to the movies three times a year./ Compare: MAN IN THE STREET, SO-AND-SO. [John Doe] {n.} A name used for an unknown person, especially in police and law business. * /The alarm went out for a John Doe who stole the diamonds from the store./ [John Hancock] or [John Henry] {n.}, {informal} Your signature; your name in writing. * /The man said, "Put your John Hancock on this paper."/ * /Joe felt proud when he put his John Henry on his very first driver's license./ [Johnny-come-lately] {n.} Someone new in a place or group; newcomer; also: a new person who takes an active part in group affairs before tlie group has accepted him; upstart. * /Everybody was amazed when a Johnny-come-lately beat the old favorite in the race./ * /When it looked as though Mr. Brown had a good chance of winning, many Johnny-come-latelies began to support him./ [Johnny-on-the-spot] {adj. phr.} At the right place when needed; present and ready to help; very prompt; on time. * /A good waterboy is always Johnny-on-the-spot./ * /The firemen were Johnny-on-the-spot and put out the fire in the house soon after it started./ Compare: ON THE JOB. [John Q. Public] {n.} A name used informally for the average citizen. * /It is John Q. Public's duty to vote at each election./ Compare: JOE DOAKES. [join forces] or [join hands] {v. phr.} To get together for the same aim; group together for a purpose; unite. * /The students and the graduates joined forces to raise money when the gym burned down./ * /The American soldiers joined hands with the British in the war against Germany./ Compare: THROW IN ONE'S LOT WITH. [join hands] See: JOIN FORCES. [joint] See: CLIP JOINT, PUT ONE'S NOSE OUT OF JOINT. [joke] See: CRACK A JOKE. [joking apart] See: JOKING ASIDE. [joking aside] or [joking apart] {v. phr.}, {informal} No fooling; without exaggerating: seriously. * /Joking aside, although the conditions were not very comfortable, we had a wonderful time./ * /Joking apart, there must have been over a hundred people in the room./ [Jones] See: KEEP UP WITH THE JONESES. [jot down] {v. phr.} To quickly commit to writing; make a quick note of something. * /Let me jot down your address so that I can send you a postcard from Europe./ [judgment seat] {n.} A place where you are judged; a place where justice and punishment are given out. * /Mrs. Smith is so bossy, she always acts as though she is in the judgment seat./ [jug-eared] {adj.} With ears that stick out like the handles of a jug. * /Tommy was a redheaded, freckle-faced, jug-eared boy./ [juice] See: STEW IN ONE'S OWN JUICE. [juice dealer] {n.}, {slang} An underworld money lender who charges exorbitant fees to his clientele and frequently collects payment by physical force. * /No matter how broke you are, never go to a juice dealer./ [jump] See: GET THE JUMP ON or HAVE THE JUMP ON, GO JUMP IN THE LAKE, NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO TURN or NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO JUMP. [jump all over] See: JUMP ON. [jump at] {v.} To take or accept quickly and gladly. * /Johnny jumped at the invitation to go swimming with his brother./ Compare: TAKE UP(7). [jump bail] or [skip bail] {v. phr.}, {informal} To run away and fail to come to trial, and so to give up a certain amount of money already given to a court of law to hold with the promise that you would come. * /The robber paid $2000 bail so he wouldn't be put in jail before his trial, but he jumped bail and escaped to Mexico./ * /The man skipped bail because he was afraid the court might put him in jail for a long time./ [jump ball] {n.} The starting of play in basketball by tossing the ball into the air between two opposing players, each of whom jumps and tries to hit the ball to a member of his own team. * /Two players held onto the ball at the same time and the referee called a jump ball./ [jump down one's throat] {v. phr.} To suddenly become very angry at someone; scold severely or angrily. * /The teacher jumped down Billy's throat when Billy said he did not do his homework./ [jump from the frying pan into the fire] See: OUT OP THE FRYING PAN INTO THE FIRE. [jumping-off place] {n. phr.} 1. A place so far away that it seems to be the end of the world. * /Columbus' sailors were afraid they would arrive at the jumping-off place if they sailed farther west./ * /So you visited Little America? That sounds like the jumping-off place!/ 2. The starting place of a long, hard trip or of something difficult or dangerous. * /The jumping-off place for the explorer's trip through the jungle was a little village./ [jump on] or [jump all over] or [land on] or [land all over] {v. phr.}, {informal} To scold; criticize; blame. * /Tom's boss jumped all over Tom because he made a careless mistake./ * /Janice landed on Robert for dressing carelessly for their date./ * /"I don't know why Bill is always jumping on me; I just don't understand him," said Bob./ Compare: FIND FAULT, GET ON, LAY OUT(7). [jump on the bandwagon] or [get on the bandwagon] {v. phr.}, {informal} To join a popular cause or movement. * /At the last possible moment, the senator jumped on the winning candidate's bandwagon./ [jump out of one's skin] {v. phr.}, {informal} To be badly frightened; be very much surprised. * /The lightning struck so close to Bill that he almost jumped out of his skin./ Compare: HAIR STAND ON END. [jump pass] {n.} A pass (as in football or basketball) made by a player while jumping. * /The Bruins scored when the quarterback tossed a jump pass to the left end./ [jump the gun] also [beat the gun] {v. phr.} 1. To start before the starter's gun in a race. * /The runners were called back because one of them jumped the gun./ 2. {informal} To start before you should; start before anyone else. * /The new students were not supposed to come before noon, but one boy jumped the gun and came to school at eight in the morning./ * /The students planned to say happy birthday to the principal when the teacher raised her hand, but Sarah jumped the gun and said it when he came into the room./ [jump the traces] See: KICK OVER THE TRACES. [jump the track] {v. phr.} 1. To go off rails; go or run the wrong way. * /The train jumped the track and there was a terrible accident./ * /The pulley of the clothesline jumped the track and Mother's washing fell down./ 2. {informal} To change from one thought or idea to another without plan or reason; change the thought or idea you are talking about to something different. * /Bob didn't finish his algebra homework because his mind kept jumping the track to think about the new girl in class./ Compare: OFF THE TRACK. [jump through a hoop] {v. phr.}, {informal} To do whatever you are told to do; obey any order. * /Bob would jump through a hoop for Mary./ Compare: TWIST AROUND ONE'S LITTLE FINGER, UNDER ONE'S THUMB. [jump to a conclusion] {v. phr.} To decide too quickly or without thinking or finding the facts. * /Jerry saw his dog limping on a bloody leg and jumped to the conclusion that it had been shot./ Contrast: LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. [junked up] {adj.} or {v. phr.}, {slang}, {drug culture} To be under the influence of drugs, especially heroine. * /You can't talk to Billy, he's all junked up./ [just about