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The I drawer

28 phrases beginning with I.

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride Merely wishing for something cannot make it happen or replace practical action. Often shortened to 'if wishes were horses'. It may sound brisk or…
Ignorance is bliss Not knowing something troubling can be a happier state than facing harsh truth, suggesting innocence shields from pain.
In a New York minute Almost immediately; in an exceptionally short time. Current informal idiom Regional use: United States; possible Canadian York antecedent.
In a nutshell Summed up short and sweet, the core.
In a pickle Stuck in a messy or tricky situation, tangled up with no clear fix.
In a pig's eye No way, not true.
In fine fettle In very good health, spirits or working condition. Warmly approving and slightly old-fashioned. It can describe health, mood, machinery or an…
In for a penny, in for a pound Once committed to a course of action, it is worth accepting the larger commitment needed to finish it. Often spoken at the moment a small undertaking…
In hot water In trouble or a difficult situation, often due to one's own actions, facing consequences with a sense of being scalded or trapped. It evokes…
In like a dirty shirt Eagerly involved, quickly inserted, or forcefully participating in something. Current informal simile, more frequent in Canada Regional use…
In like Flynn Certain to succeed, gain entry, or be favourably placed. Dated but familiar Regional use: United States, especially West Coast and wartime service…
In over your head Outmatched or overwhelmed, sunk too deep.
In stitches Laughing so hard and so long that it becomes physically painful, as with a sharp pain in the side. Almost always predicated of a group or individual…
In the bag Certain to succeed or be secured, wrapped up like game bagged by a hunter-no doubt left, just waiting to claim it.
In the black Making profit or clear, in good.
In the doghouse In disgrace or out of favor, sidelined for a misstep.
In the doldrums In low spirits, inactivity, or a period of stagnation. The Doldrums can also name the equatorial belt of light and variable winds and calms.
In the driver's seat In charge or control.
In the heat of the moment Acting rashly under pressure or passion, caught in a flare.
In the lap of luxury Living in grand comfort or wealth, pampered.
In the limelight At the centre of public attention and scrutiny. Used of politicians, performers, athletes and anyone whose doings are being watched and discussed…
In the nick of time Arriving or acting just before it's too late, at the critical last moment when delay would mean failure or disaster. It conveys urgency and relief…
In the pink In top health or shape, glowing with vigor.
In the red Broke or in debt, all loss.
In the same boat Sharing a common plight or fate, stuck together.
In the soup In a messy trouble or fix, deep.
In the twinkling of an eye In an extremely short time, emphasizing that a change or action happened almost instantly. Literary but readily understood. In a modern neutral…
Influencer Someone who can sway what other people buy, try, or believe, nowadays especially a social-media personality paid to post about products and brands…