| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| in the nick of time |
nearly too late, just in time, under the wire
|
They jumped from the burning boat in the nick of time - just before it sank.
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| in the nude |
naked, in the buff
|
Sleeping in the nude has advantages and disadvantages.
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| in the offing |
ready to happen, soon to be
|
A great event was in the offing: the discovery of penicillin.
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| in the picture |
part of the scene, a factor
|
As Mr. Martin lost the election, he's not in the picture.
|
| in the pink |
looking and feeling healthy and happy
|
Last time I saw Barb, she was in the pink. She looked great.
|
| in the pipe five by five |
in the chamber and ready to fire, missiles in firing position
|
"Check missiles!" "In the pipe five by five, sir!"
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| in the poorhouse |
poor, having little money, as poor as a church mouse
|
In 1936, they were in the poorhouse. They couldn't grow crops, and nobody had a job.
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| in the red |
showing a financial loss, losing money
|
Last year our business was still in the red - still showing a loss.
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| in the road |
blocking the way, preventing movement
|
We'll have to move the table. It's in the road.
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| in the running |
competitive, could win, give you a run for...
|
With ten games remaining, the Expos are still in the running.
They have a chance to win.
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