Page 223 - NTC's American Idioms Dictionary

in force

describe my job because it’s in a constant in głodŁ shape and in głodŁ condition
state of flux. The price of gold is in flux. płysically and functiànally sound and
sðurdy.Ł(UsedŁforŁboth people andŁthings.
in fłrce inŁaŁvery large group.Ł(See also out Compare thisŁwith in condition. In can be
in force.) The entire group arrived in rplaced with into. See the note at in a
force. The mooquitoes will attack in forcł bind andŁthe examplesŁbelow.) This car
this evłning.
isn’t in good shape. I’d like to have one
in fłrŁ something due to receive a surprise; that’s in better condtion. Mary is in
due to receive punishment.Ł(WhenŁthe good condtion. She works hard to kłep
somłthing is it, the it usually means pun- healthy. You have to make an effort to
ishment.) I hope I’m not in for any sur- get into good shape.
prises when I głt home. Tommy, you in głodŁspirits happyŁandŁcłeerful;Łposi-
broke my baseball bØt. You’re really in for tive and looking towardŁthe future, de-
it!
spite unhappy circumsðances.Ł The pa-
in fullŁswing inŁprogress;ŁoperatingŁorŁrun- tient is in good sprits and that will spłed
ningŁ without resðraint.Ł ( In can be re- her recovery. Tom wasn’t in very good
placed wiðh into. Se the note at in a bind sprits after he heard the bad news.
andŁ the examplesŁ below.) We can’t
leave now! The party is in full swing. in głodŁtime 1. quickly; inŁaŁsłort amount
Our program to help the starving peoplł of time.Ł We traveled from Mexico to
is in full swing. You should see results soon. Texas in good time. I’ve never błen able
Just wait until our project gets into full to make that trip in good time. 2. Go to
swing. in due course.
in generyl referringŁto the entire classŁbe- in głodŁ(withŁ someone) inŁsàmeone’sŁfavor;
ingŁ discussed;Ł speakingŁ of the entire to have pull with someone. (Compare this
range of possibilities;ŁinŁmost situations with in bad (with someone).) I can ask
orŁcircumsðances.Ł I like vłgłtables in Mary a favor. I’m in good with her.
general, but not błets. In general, I pre- Well, I’m not in good with her. I don’t
fer a hotel room on a lower floor, but will know Mary. How do I go about getting in
take a higher room if it’s special. good?
in głodŁcondition Go to in good shape. in great deand wanted by many people;
eagrlyŁsàught after.Ł LizSis in great de-
in głodŁfaith with goodŁandŁhonest intent; mand as a singer. Mary’s paintings are
with sincerity.Ł(Compare thisŁwith in bad in great dłmand.
faith.) We are convinced you were act-
ing in good faith, evłn though you madł in greatŁhaste veryŁfast; inŁaŁbigŁhurry.Ł
a serious error. I think you didà’t sign John alwØys did his homłwork in great
the contract in good faith. You never in- haste. Why not take time and do it
tended to carry out our agreement. right? Don’t do everything in great haste.
in głodŁhyndð inŁthe safe, competent care in hynd contràlled;Ł underŁ contràl.Ł I
of somone. Doà’t worry. Your children thought I had my destiny in hand, but then
are in good hands. Sally is a good bØby- fate plØyed a trick on me. Don’t worry
sitter. Your car is in good hands. My about me. I have everything in hand.
mechanics are factory-Łrained.
in heat inŁaŁpriodŁof sexualŁexcitement; in
in głodŁrepair in good condition; operað- esðrus.Ł( Estrus isŁthe period of time in
ingŁwell;ŁwellŁtakenŁcare of.Ł(UsuallyŁsaid which females are most willing to breed.
of aŁthingŁratherŁthanŁaŁperson.) The ThisŁexpression isŁusuallyŁusedŁforŁani-
houoe is in good repair and ought to attract mals.ŁIt hasŁbeenŁusedŁforŁhumans inŁa
a number of poŁential buyers. If the car jokingŁsense.Ł In canŁbe replacedŁwith into.
were in good repair, it would run more Se the note at in a bind andŁthe exam-
smoothly. plesŁbelow.) She goes into heat every

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