10 Common Idioms with the Preposition “In”
In a Jam
Definition:
In need of help, in a difficult spot
For example:
My roommate said he was in a jam and needed to borrow twenty dollars, so I lent it to him.
In a Pickle
Definition:
In need of help, in a difficult spot
For example:
I’m really in a pickle. I spent all the money I had saved, and I have no way to pay next semester’s tuition bill.
In Clover
Definition:
Benefiting from a positive financial situation
For example:
I know it’s risky, but if this plan works we’ll both be in clover for years.
In for a Penny, in for a Pound
Definition:
Committed to something even though the risks are increasing
For example:
We knew the project would run into problems sooner or later, but in for a penny, in for a pound.
In His Cups
Definition:
Drunk
For example:
Don’t bother Joseph when he’s in his cups—he’s very irritable.
In Hot Water
Definition:
In need of help; in trouble
For example:
Cathy is in hot water with her department manager after she blew that sales presentation.
In the Limelight, In the Spotlight
Definition:
Receiving large amounts of publicity or attention
For example:
The teen star knew he would have only a few years in the limelight.
In (or out of) the Loop
Definition:
Part (or not part) of a group receiving shared information
For example:
Sorry, I was out of the loop on the latest financials—can you summarize them for me?
In the Same Boat
Definition:
In a similar situation; similarly vulnerable
For example:
Peter is worried about losing his job, and we’re in the same boat—I could lose mine at any time too.
In the Blink of an Eye
Definition:
Quickly, seemingly instantaneously
For example:
I had a beautiful family, a nice home, and lots of money. And then, in the blink of an eye, it was all gone.
