in


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in (with someone)

1. adjective Fashionable or trendy (with a particular person or group). This style of haircut is very in these days. That sort of language may be in with the kids at school, but it is most definitely not allowed in this house! I had to wear a uniform to school, so it really didn't matter what was in at the time!
2. noun A means of accessing something, especially an exclusive place or group. The club is pretty exclusive, but my cousin has an in with one of the bouncers. Her family's connections to the industry gave her an in that was more valuable than any university degree. Please tell me you have an in with that company—I'd love to work there!

in a measure

To a certain degree or extent; somewhat. While hard work and perseverance will take you far, success also depends in a measure on good fortune. Your essay would be improved in a measure by tidying up your paragraphs, but your topic on the whole has some fundamental problems. Our administration will only compromise in a measure. We aren't ready to make any significant changes to the legislation.
See also: measure

in at the kill

1. Present to witness the killing of an animal. I refuse to be in at the kill of an innocent deer just because you like hunting. No one was in at the kill, so no one knows what happened to the eagle. No, I was in at the kill, unfortunately. One of the neighborhood cats got ahold of this bird.
2. Present to witness the end or collapse of something. Did you hear that Joe's proposal got rejected? Was anyone in at the kill? I was in at the kill, and, yes, it is true—the department won't be funding our project anymore. We were in at the kill. It really was a somber scene when management determined they'd have to eliminate all of those positions.
See also: kill

in fine feather

1. In remarkably attractive clothing. Look at that gown! She is certainly in fine feather tonight. A tuxedo with tails and a top hat? My, aren't we in fine feather this evening. We're just going out to dinner with some family friends. Does Mom really expect us all to be in fine feather?
2. Doing well, perhaps because one is healthy, happy, or excelling in some area. He seemed sad the last time I saw him, so I'm glad he's in fine feather tonight. Well, you're in fine feather! You must have passed that test you were worried about. Yeah, I was really sick over the winter, but I'm in fine feather now.
See also: feather, fine

in good feather

Doing well, perhaps because one is healthy, happy, or excelling in some area. He seemed sad the last time I saw him, so I'm glad he's in good feather tonight. Well, you're in good feather! You must have passed that test you were worried about. Yeah, I was really sick over the winter, but I'm in good feather now.
See also: feather, good

in high feather

Doing well, perhaps because one is healthy, happy, or excelling in some area. He seemed sad the last time I saw him, so I'm glad he's in high feather tonight. Well, you're in high feather! You must have passed that test you were worried about. Yeah, I was really sick over the winter, but I'm in high feather now.
See also: feather, high

in on the kill

1. Literally, witnessing the killing of an animal. I refuse to be in on the kill of an innocent deer just because you like hunting. No one was in on the kill, so no one knows what happened to the eagle. No, I was on at the kill, unfortunately. One of the neighborhood cats got ahold of this bird.
2. By extension, witnessing the end or collapse of something. Did you hear that Joe's proposal got rejected? Was anyone in on the kill at the time? I was in on the kill, and, yes, it is true—the department won't be funding our project anymore. We were in on the kill. It really was a somber scene when management determined they'd have to eliminate all of those positions.
See also: kill, on

in reference to (someone or something)

Regarding someone or something; in connection with someone or something. We received an anonymous tip in reference to the ongoing investigation. In reference to my opponent's remarks, let me state for the record that I have always condemned hate speech in all forms. I wanted to speak with you in reference to the new accountant you hired.
See also: reference, to

in regard to (someone or something)

In reference to; considering In regard to that proposal, I think we should postpone moving forward with it for the time being. We have a few concerns in regard to your performance as of late. Oh, and in regard to dinner, it's been pushed to 8:00, so no need to rush.
See also: regard, to

in some measure

To a certain degree or extent; somewhat. While hard work and perseverance will take you far, success also depends in some measure on good fortune. A: "Are you feeling better?" B: "In some measure. My throat isn't sore anymore, but I'm still pretty congested." She's says she's gotten over it, but I don't know—I think she's still mad at me in some measure.
See also: measure
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*in (with someone)

a way to request a special favor from someone; an amount of influence with someone. (The in is a noun. *Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) Did you get an in with the mayor? I have to ask him a favor. Sorry, I don't have an in, but I know someone who does.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

in

1. mod. current; fashionable. What’s in around here in the way of clothing?
2. mod. private. If it’s in or something, I’m sure they won’t spread it around.
3. n. someone in a special position; someone who is serving in an elective office. When Ralph is one of the ins, he’ll throw the crooks out.
4. n. a ticket or means of getting in (someplace). I lost my in. Can I still see the show?
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

in

/with reference to
In connection with; in relation to: This letter is in reference to the invoice that accompanied the package.

in

/with regard to
In reference or relation to; with respect to.

in

/with regards to
In reference or relation to; with respect to.

in

/within bounds Sports
Within the boundary of a playing field or court and therefore in play or legal.

in

a/some measure
To a degree: The new law was in a measure harmful.

in

at/on the kill
Present at the moment of triumph.

in

fine/good/high feather
In excellent form, health, or humor.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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