AMERICAN IDIOMS (I)
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Idioms starting with I
Here is our list of popular "I" idioms that are used in American English:
Icky (adj.): Gross, disgusting.
If worse (or worst) comes to worst:
If things get really bad.
Example: "If worse comes to worst, we can always fire him."
Iffy (adj.): Uncertain.
Example: "That's a little iffy at this point."
Ill-at-ease (adj.):
Uncomfortable.
Example: "She seemed to be ill-at-ease talking to the doctor about her problems".
In a bad way:
Not well; in bad shape.
Example: "He was in a bad way, partly because of all the alcohol that he drank daily."
In bad taste:
Rude. Vulgar. Obscene.
Example: "John's jokes are always in bad taste."
In a bind: In a predicament; in a difficult situation.
Example: "I'm in a bit of a bind. Do you think you can help me out?"
In broad daylight:
Publicly visible in the daytime.
Example: "This city is very dangerous. You can get robbed in broad daylight."
In good shape/ condition:
Physically and functionally sound and sturdy. "Shape" is generally used more for people.
Example: "The car is in good condition. Bill is in good shape."
In mint condition:
In perfect condition (not used for people).
Example: "This baseball card is in mint condition."
In no mood to do something:
To not feel like doing something; to not want to do something.
Example: "I'm in no mood to cook dinner tonight."
In no time: Very soon.
Example: "Don't worry. We'll be there in no time."
In a row: One after another; Straight.
Example: "Our team has won five games in a row."
In season:
Currently available for selling (often said of fresh fruit and vegetables).
Example: "Tomatoes are very cheap now because they're in season."
In stock:
Available for purchase, as in goods in a store.
Example: "P1: Do you have any more of these books in stock? P2: No, I'm sorry we don't."
In the air:
Everywhere. All around.
Example: "Love is in the air, everywhere you look around."
In the cards: Likely (to happen).
Example: "A promotion is not in the cards for him." (He most likely will not be promoted).
In the doghouse: In trouble. To be in the doghouse = To be in trouble.
In the long run:
Over a long period of time; ultimately.
Example: "He smokes a lot now, and I'm afraid that in the long run it will cost him his health."
In the same boat:
In the same situation (usually negative).
Example: "I know exactly how you feel because I'm in the same boat."
In the works: Currently being worked on, developed.
Example: "Our new website is in the works."
In and out:
Coming in and going out often.
Example: "She's been in and out all day."
(To be) in with (someone):
(To be) friends or friendly with (someone).
Example: "At high school, he was in with the wrong crowd. That's why he always got in trouble."
In advance:
Ahead of time.
Example: "In the future, could you let me know about these things in advance?"
