English Lesson (Preposition): 50 Essential English Idioms Beginning with "IN" (Explained with Sample Sentences)

1. In a nutshell - Summarized in a few words.
The book is about friendship and loyalty, in a nutshell.

2. In the same boat - In the same situation or predicament.
Since we both lost our jobs, we’re in the same boat.

3. In hot water - In trouble or difficulty.
He was in hot water after forgetting his wife’s birthday.

4. In the blink of an eye - Very quickly; almost instantly.
The car disappeared in the blink of an eye.

 

5. In a pickle - In a difficult situation.
She’s in a pickle because she forgot her homework at home.

6. In the nick of time - Just in time; at the last possible moment.
We got to the station in the nick of time to catch the last train.

7. In a jam - In a difficult or troublesome situation.
He’s in a jam because his car broke down on the way to work.

8. In over one's head - Involved in something that is beyond one's ability to handle.
She realized she was in over her head when she started the advanced math class.

9. In the dark - Uninformed; not knowing something.
I was in the dark about the surprise party they planned for me.

10. In the bag - Assured of success; certain to be achieved.
With five minutes left and a ten-point lead, the game is in the bag.

11. In the clear - Free of guilt or suspicion.
After explaining everything, he was finally in the clear.

12. In the driver's seat - In control; in a position of authority.
She’s in the driver’s seat now that she’s the team leader.

13. In the long run - Over a long period of time; eventually.
Eating healthy will benefit you in the long run.

14. In the loop - Informed and up-to-date.
Please keep me in the loop about any changes to the schedule.

15. In one's element - In a situation or environment that one is naturally suited to.
He’s in his element when he’s teaching children.

16. In one's blood - An intrinsic part of one's nature or heritage.
Teaching is in her blood; her whole family are teachers.

17. In black and white - In writing; clearly documented.
I need the agreement in black and white before I sign it.

18. In a heartbeat - Very quickly; without hesitation.
If they offered me the job, I’d accept it in a heartbeat.

19. In the red - In debt; losing money.
The company has been in the red for the past three years.

20. In full swing - At the peak of activity or operation.
The festival was in full swing when we arrived.

21. In the clear - Out of danger or difficulty.
After the storm passed, we were finally in the clear.

22. In the zone - Fully focused and performing at a high level.
He was in the zone during the game and scored 30 points.

23. In the works - Being planned or worked on.
A new movie is in the works for next summer.

24. In the same league - Of the same quality or level.
His skills are in the same league as the best players.

25. In the spotlight - Receiving a great deal of public attention.
She loves being in the spotlight and enjoys performing.

26. In the wake of - Following or as a result of something.
In the wake of the accident, new safety measures were introduced.

27. In the money - Wealthy; having a lot of money.
After winning the lottery, they were suddenly in the money.

28. In one's mind's eye - In one's imagination or memory.
In his mind’s eye, he could still see his childhood home.

29. In the pink - In very good health.
After the surgery, he’s back in the pink and feeling great.

30. In one's good books - In someone's favor or having their approval.
She’s in the teacher’s good books because she always does her homework.

31. In one's bad books - Out of favor with someone.
He’s in her bad books for forgetting their anniversary.

32. In broad daylight - In the open and visible; not hidden.
The robbery happened in broad daylight.

33. In the flesh - In person; physically present.
I finally met my online friend in the flesh.

34. In the running - Having a chance to win or succeed.
She’s still in the running for the manager position.

35. In the heat of the moment - Overwhelmed by what is happening in the present.
He said some things in the heat of the moment that he later regretted.

36. In one ear and out the other - Quickly forgotten or ignored.
When I tell him to clean his room, it goes in one ear and out the other.

37. In plain English - In simple and clear language.
Let me explain it in plain English so everyone can understand.

38. In a huff - In a bad mood, especially due to offense or irritation.
She left the meeting in a huff because they rejected her idea.

39. In a bind - In a difficult situation with limited options.
He was in a bind when his car broke down far from home.

40. In one's own backyard - Very close to where one lives or works.
I was surprised to find such a great restaurant right in my own backyard.

41. In the ballpark - Within a reasonable range or estimate.
His salary offer was in the ballpark of what I expected.

42. In one's sights - Targeted or focused on achieving something.
She has the championship title in her sights.

43. In one piece - Safely; without damage or injury.
After the long journey, we were relieved to arrive in one piece.

44. In one's shoes - In someone else's position or situation.
If I were in your shoes, I would talk to the manager.

45. In the line of duty - While doing one's job.
The officer was injured in the line of duty.

46. In cold blood - Deliberately and without emotion.
The crime was committed in cold blood.

47. In high spirits - Very happy and cheerful.
After winning the game, the team was in high spirits.

48. In the doghouse - In trouble or disfavor.
He’s in the doghouse for forgetting his wife’s birthday.

49. In a flash - Very quickly; immediately.
The thief was gone in a flash.

50. In good faith - With honest intentions.
We signed the contract in good faith, trusting the other party to deliver on their promises

These sentences provide clear examples of each idiom in use, suitable for B1-level learners.

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