In the trenches
adjective phrase
Suffering the ill effects of a hang-over: looking as hung over as you can get (1940s+)
Read Also:
- In the tub
adjective phrase Bankrupt; ruined; in the dumper (1940s+)
- In the twinkling of an eye
In an instant, as in The breakup of Yugoslavia created many warring nations in the twinkling of an eye. This hyperbolic expression, which alludes to the very brief time it takes for an eye to blink, is heard less often today. [ c. 1300 ]
- In the unlikely event
If something improbable should occur. For example, In the unlikely event that I’m held up, please cover for me , or In the unlikely event that we should have snow in May, we’re still well equipped to cope with it also see under: in case , def. 2.
- In the water
Related Terms dead in the water
- In the wings
Also, waiting in the wings. Nearby in the background, available on short notice. For example, Some police were in the wings in case of trouble at the rally, or There are at least a dozen young managers waiting in the wings for Harold to retire. This expression alludes to the theater, where a player waits […]