Текст книги "Словарь американских идиом: 8000 единиц"

Автор книги: Adam Makkai

Соавторы: Maya Glinberg
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Текущая страница: 28 (всего у книги 61 страниц)

[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.