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Idioms starting with I
331 expressions
I can tell you
Emphasises the truth of a statement.
I can't hear you over the sound of
Said to dismiss what the interlocutor is saying.
I can't lie
To be honest, frankly, honestly.
I choose violence
Used to express that one is firmly committed to making one's own choice(s) regardless of d…
I could eat a horse
I am very hungry.
I don't fancy yours
Used to reserve the right to chat up an attractive woman who is with an unattractive woman…
I don't know about that
I am not sure that I agree; expressing doubt or skepticism.
I fear
Used in apprehension or embarrassment.
I hardly know her
A joking retort that draws attention to the possibility of sexual innuendo when a word end…
I have a bridge to sell you
An indirect way of expressing that the addressee is gullible.
I just work here
Indicates that the speaker cannot answer their interrogator's question, because of lack of…
I never did
An exclamation of great surprise.
I never miss
I am aware of what is going on; I know what is happening.
I rest my case
The previous statement or proclamation encapsulates my view.
I see, said the blind man
Expressing confusion.
I take it
Used to express one's understanding of another's position.
I tell a lie
I am mistaken; I thought that what I said (or wrote) was true, but I have just realised th…
I tell you
Synonym of I can tell you.
I wish
Used to express the speaker's wish that the preceding statement were true
I would
Used to denote that the speaker finds another person sexually attractive.
I'd like to see someone try
Expressing a threat or challenge to someone.
I'd say
It is my estimate or opinion.
I'll be
Expressing surprise.
I'll be a monkey's uncle
Often preceded by well: expressing complete surprise or disbelief.
I'll be bound
An expression of surprise.
I'll be damned
An expression of surprise.
I'll be danged
An expression of surprise.
I'll say
Used to indicate emphatic agreement
I'll tell you
Synonym of I can tell you.
I'm not being funny
Used as a softening preface to a statement that might be taken as offensive or malicious.
I'm not telling you
Used to express that someone doesn't need to know something, typically because it is a sec…
I'm not the one
A warning to an individual who has greatly offended one's dignity or has acted or spoken i…
I'm sure
Used as an interjection to indicate denial or contradiction in response to an assertion or…
ice cool
calm and composed in a difficult situation.
ice maiden
An ice queen; a beautiful but heartless woman.
ice queen
A beautiful but heartless woman.
icing on the cake
A thing which intensifies the appreciation of something already good, or (ironic) the regr…
idiot box
Television.
idiot mittens
Mittens connected by yarn or string (idiot string (Canadian English)) running through one …
if anything
Used to suggest or state tentatively that something may be the case (often the opposite of…
if I'm honest
to be honest
if I'm not there, start without me
I am not interested in the event and do not plan to attend.
if it works, it works
if an action achieves its desired result, one should leave it at that; the outcome of an a…
if it's all the same
If it makes no difference; if nobody minds; if it doesn't bother anyone.
if need be
If necessary; if there is a need.
if needs be
If need be; if there is a need.
if nothing else
At the very least; as a minimum.
if only
I wish that; would (that) (archaic). Signifies a wish or desire for the present or the fut…
if pigs had wings
Never.
if the shoe fits
Ellipsis of if the shoe fits, wear it.
if the shoe fits, wear it
If a description fits, it is probably the case; if an insult accurately describes you, you…
if these walls could talk
Used to denote a location with an interesting or controversial history.
ill health
A state of illness, or bad health.
in a bake
Very angry.
in a big way
To a great extent, emphatically, or with great passion.
in a bind
In a difficult situation, usually of one's own making; having a dilemma; faced with a prob…
in a box
Under very restrictive limits or boundaries.
in a bubble
In a state of isolation or insulation from the outside world.
in a corner
Placed in a difficult or awkward situation.
in a fix
In a pickle, in a mess, in the soup.
in a flash
Instantaneously; very quickly; in almost no time.
in a foam
Foaming at the mouth.
in a fog
In a state of mental confusion, disorientation, or a lack of clarity.
in a heartbeat
Without hesitation or reservation; at once.
in a hen's hiney
Under no circumstances; absolutely not.
in a jam
To be in a difficult situation or predicament.
in a league of one's own
Far excelling even the closest contender; not having any worthy competition.
in a major key
In an unrestrained manner; on a large or expansive scale.
in a mess
In a pickle, in a fix, in the soup.
in a minor key
In a restrained manner; on a small or limited scale.
in a nutshell
In summary; briefly or simply.
in a pickle
In a difficult situation or a troubling quandary.
in a pig's arse
Absolutely not; under no circumstances.
in a pig's eye
Under very unlikely circumstances; probably never.
in a pig's patoot
Under no circumstances; absolutely not.
in a pinch
In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
in a real state
Synonym of in a right state.
in a right state
in a mess or in a state of chaos; very unkempt, in poor condition.
in a rut
To be stuck in a boring or monotonous routine or habit.
in a snap
At once, almost immediately, very quickly or suddenly.
in a state
Agitated and anxious.
in a walk
Easily; without difficulty.
in Abraham's bosom
No longer living; dead.
in addition
Also; as well; besides.
in all honesty
honestly; in truth
in all modesty
Prepended to praise of oneself or one's own doings, as a form of modesty.
in all one's glory
Completely naked.
in and of itself
Synonym of in itself.
in and out
Sexual intercourse, especially a brief session.
in any case
Whatever be the case; regardless.
in any event
At any rate, anyhow.
in any way, shape, or form
In any way at all; whatsoever.
in at the deep end
Placed in a complex situation (especially work-related) without adequate preparation or ex…
in bad odor
Regarded with disapproval; in a situation of being disliked; shunned.
in bad shape
In poor condition; sick, ailing.
in bad taste
Offensive or inappropriate (of an action, often of jokes).
in bed
Regarding sexual activities.
in black and white
Explicitly, in writing, clearly and without doubt or misunderstanding, without any grey ar…
in business
Ready to proceed in a desired activity.
in capital letters
Of someone or something, emphasizing notability, significance, or exemplary status.
in character
Consistent with one's personality, or the typical behavior one is known for.
in cold blood
In a ruthless and unfeeling manner, particularly as applied to first-degree murder committ…
in collar
Synonym of in harness (“employed; at work”).
in concert
Acting together.
in control
Exercising control over a machine, vehicle, situation etc.
in deep
Deeply involved or invested in something, especially a troublesome situation.
in detail
Thoroughly; including every detail; with all particulars.
in diapers
In the very early stages of development.
in Dickie's meadow
in trouble, in a predicament, in a difficult situation
in droves
In large numbers, or great crowds.
in Dutch
In trouble or in disfavor.
in effigy
With a symbol, usually an effigy, substituted for a real person or thing.
in evidence
Visibly present; noticeable.
in fee
Of an estate in land, inherited or owned by one who has the absolute right to dispose of t…
in fighting trim
in good preparation or condition; ready to confront a challenge
in focus
Clearly perceived.
in for it
Irrevocably committed to something.
in for the kill
Intending to kill or destroy someone or something.
in front of one's nose
Plain; clearly apparent; obvious.
in full force
Totally, fully, completely.
in full gear
Proceeding fully, quickly, or completely; thoroughly begun and in progress.
in good odor
liked, in someone's good books.
in good sorts
Healthy, functional; in good condition.
in harness
In the midst of the working routine; at work.
in heaven's name
An intensifier, chiefly used with questions.
in high dudgeon
Resentfully or furiously, with indignation or pomposity.
in high gear
Serious and intense.
in hot pursuit
Pursuing someone in order to apprehend them, especially across a border.
in jest
As a joke.
in jig time
Rapidly; in a very short amount of time.
in kind
In a reciprocal manner; in a similar way; in the same kind.
in layman's terms
Phrased simply, without jargon; (of English-language speech or writing) phrased in plain E…
in layperson's terms
Synonym of in layman's terms.
in laywoman's terms
Phrased simply (for the sake of average women).
in light of
Given, considering.
in line
Suitable or appropriate; keeping with expectations, norms, ideals, or rules.
in living memory
In recent history, in recorded history amongst the lifespan of extant people; events or si…
in no small measure
To a very great extent.
in no small part
Synonym of in no small measure.
in no time
Very soon.
in no uncertain terms
Definitely, clearly; bluntly, forthrightly; explicitly, categorically, unequivocally.
in no way, shape, or form
Not in any way at all; not at all, nohow.
in nothing flat
A very short (but unspecified) amount of time; no time at all.
in on
Being or made privy to, a participant in, involved in, included in, or informed of (usuall…
in one bite
In an unbroken or undivided piece or manner.
in one foul swoop
(Achieved or completed) with a single action; in a single stroke.
in one go
In a single attempt with no breaks.
in one's altitudes
drunk.
in one's back pocket
Ready if needed, in reserve, prepared, available for use whenever it might be advantageous…
in one's bare skin
In a state of nudity.
in one's bones
(of a feeling, belief, etc.) Derived from instinct, intuition, or an ingrained inclination…
in one's cups
Drunk; in the act of consuming alcohol liberally.
in one's dreams
Used to express the speaker's belief that a preceding statement expressed a desired rather…
in one's head
Within one's intellect, memory, or mind.
in one's hip pocket
Synonym of in one's back pocket.
in one's own good time
At one's own pace; at a pace unaffected by external influence; unhurriedly.
in one's own little way
In an individual manner that creates an effect from a small action.
in one's pocket
Subject to one's demands because of bribery.
in one's right mind
Thinking clearly, sensibly, and reasonably.
in one's wildest dreams
Much better than one could ever expect.
in order
Emphasizes that what follows immediately is the purpose of the preceding or the beyond.
in other news
Used by newsreaders to introduce an unrelated piece of news.
in other words
Stated or interpreted another way; Used to introduce an explanation, simplification, or cl…
in pampers
Synonym of in diapers (“in the very early stages of development”).
in plain sight
Very easy to see or notice, especially when supposed to be hidden.
in plain view
Easily seen, very visible.
in rare form
Operating or performing at a high level or at one's best; extreme.
in reaction
By being partially or entirely a response to a stimulus or other event, without which ther…
in recent memory
In living memory.
in record time
That is the fastest or greatest recorded example; faster than any previously recorded time…
in retreat
Synonym of on the run (“at a disadvantage”).
in safe hands
In the possession of, or protected by, someone who can be trusted.
in shape
In a good state of physical fitness or bodily appearance.
in short pants
Synonym of in short trousers (“quite young”).
in short trousers
In childhood; as a child; when quite young (including nonliterally, e.g., as a young adult…
in someone's black books
Having incurred someone's displeasure.
in someone's face
In front of someone's face; before someone's eyes.
in someone's pocket
Receiving money from, and under the influence of, a person or group of people, with the ex…
in someone's shoes
in someone's situation.
in someone's view
The way someone sees it: the way someone feels about things.
in spades
In large quantities; to a high degree; to excess, without restraint.
in spite of
Despite, irrespective of, notwithstanding.
in splits
Laughing uncontrollably; in fits of laughter.
in stitches
Laughing vigorously; very amused; aching due to convulsive laughter.
in stride
Without disturbing one's course of activities.
in the act
In the process of doing something considered criminal or otherwise wrong; used to emphasiz…
in the altogether
Naked.
in the bag
Of a desirable thing, certain or extremely likely to occur.
in the black
Having positive net income; having greater income than expenses; making a profit.
in the blink of an eye
Immediately, instantaneously.
in the books
Finished; concluded; able to be regarded as a matter of record.
in the buff
Nude.
in the business of
dealing heavily in or intimately involved with (a practice, behavior, etc.)
in the can
At a late stage of completion, generally when the actual work is done and some finalizing …
in the cards
Destined or fated to happen; predicted or foreseen.
in the clear
Not guilty or not suspected of wrongdoing.
in the dark
Without information.
in the dock
Under accusation, scrutiny; subject to critical inspection.
in the doghouse
In a situation of being the object of someone's anger or disapproval, especially one's spo…
in the drink
In or into a body of water.
in the driver's seat
Having the most important role in a storyline or recognition. Of primary importance.
in the driving seat
Alternative form of in the driver's seat.
in the fast lane
In a lifestyle, employment position, or other set of circumstances where the rapid pace is…
in the final analysis
All things considered; when all is said and done; in conclusion, basically and fundamental…
in the first place
To begin with; earlier; firstly; originally; at the start.
in the flower of one's youth
When one was young and happy.
in the foothills
In the earliest stages; at the outset.
in the front row
Able to witness everything.
in the game
Competing in a game, with a chance of winning.
in the green tree … in the dry
In a better situation as against a worse one; used chiefly in rhetorical questions to sugg…
in the here and now
In present practice rather than in theory; with the priority of palpably and actually exis…
in the hole
Having suffered net losses; in debt.
in the hopper
In the process of being prepared or produced.
in the hospital
Admitted as a patient in a hospital.
in the hot seat
Under pressure to perform; under scrutiny; at the center of attention.
in the interest of justice
the reason of case dismissal used when the judge decides that justice will be best served …
in the know
Informed; aware.
in the lead
in first place in a contest, or parade.
in the least
At all, in the slightest, in any way.
in the limelight
In the focus of attention, especially from the media.
in the line of duty
As part of or while performing official duties, usually of the military or police personne…
in the long run
After a very long time; eventually; over a long period of time; more generally.
in the long term
After a very long time; eventually; over a long period of time; more generally.
in the lump
Taken all together; in gross.
in the making
In development; in the process of being made or evolving.
in the money
Possessing money; rich.
in the nick of time
At the last possible moment; at the last minute.
in the nip
Nude.
in the offing
At a distance, but visible.
in the pink of health
In very good health.
in the pipeline
Scheduled to occur in the future.
in the post
On the way; soon to arrive.
in the raw
In the natural state; in real life.
in the red
Having net losses; in debt.
in the reign of Queen Dick
when pigs fly; never
in the running
Of a candidate: potential or likely; worthy of consideration.
in the sack
In bed (either literally or figuratively), especially with reference to sexual intercourse…
in the saddle
Synonym of in control.
in the same boat
In the same situation or predicament; having the same problems.
in the same breath
Said or done almost simultaneously, in one sequence.
in the same shoes
In the same situation; having the same problems.
in the short run
Lasting only a short time, shortsightedly.
in the snap of one's fingers
In a snap.
in the soup
In trouble.
in the spotlight
In the focus of attention, especially from the media.
in the stars
Destined or fated to occur.
in the stratosphere
Extremely high, elevated, or beyond usual limits.
in the straw
Confined to bed because of pregnancy.
in the streets
Aroused, agitated, or incited to widespread protest, to civil disorder, or to revolution.
in the swim
Actively participating in the flow of events; very involved.
in the tank
Supportive, approving, favorably disposed.
in the thick of
In the middle of (something difficult).
in the thick of it
In a precarious situation; in the trenches; up to one's elbows; knee-deep.
in the toilet
Finished; at an ignoble end.
in the trenches
Working or operating in the most active and difficult parts of a job or business.
in the twinkling of an eye
Immediately; instantaneously.
in the wake of
Following.
in the way
Obstructing, blocking, or hindering.
in the way of
In relation to; in connection with; with respect to.
in the wind
Impending or in the offing; imminent.
in the wink of an eye
instantaneously, extremely quickly
in the works
Being planned or worked upon.
in the world
An intensifier, often used after an interrogative word.
in the worst way
Urgently; desperately; to an extreme degree.
in the wrong place at the wrong time
At a location or in a situation by where something bad is about to happen at just the time…
in the zone
In a mental state of focused concentration on the performance of an activity, in which one…
in this day and age
In the current era of history.
in thunder
An intensifier, chiefly used with questions.
in token of
As an indication of; in a show of; on account of; because of.
in too deep
Involved in a situation to the extent that one cannot cope or escape.
in touch
In contact, or in communication.
in two jumps
In a very short time.
in two shakes
Very quickly; without delay.
in two shakes of a lamb's tail
Synonym of in two shakes.
in vain
Unsuccessful, failed.
in view of
Considering.
in virtue of
Synonym of by virtue of.
in wine
In a state of intoxication where the truth is more likely to emerge.
in with a chance
Having a chance.
in words of one syllable
In simple, clear, straightforward language; in blunt language.
in your dreams
Used to express the speaker's skepticism about another's preceding statement about a desir…
in your face
A derisive and contemptuous exclamation of triumph over one's interlocutor.
inch along
To move slowly or to make progress gradually, bit by bit.
inch away
To begin to change one's position on a topic; to subtly distance oneself from previous ass…
inch back
To move something backward by a very small amount, often in a slow and gradual way.
inch by inch
Gradually or incrementally.
inch forward
To move forward in a very slow, cautious, and careful way.
inch up
To move or increase by small increments, typically slowly and carefully.
Indian sign
A curse causing loss of will power or persistent bad luck.
indict a ham sandwich
Of a grand jury: to charge a person with a crime, despite a perceived lack of evidence.
ink in
to schedule in a calendar
inner circle
The group comprising one's closest friends or associates.
inner ear
The mind's ear.
inner strength
Integrity of character; resoluteness of will; mental resistance to doubt or discouragement…
ins and outs
The details or fine points of something.
inside baseball
Technical matters concerning baseball generally not apparent or of interest to spectators.
inside job
A crime or other illicit action committed by or with the assistance of someone either havi…
inside joke
A joke that is understood or meant to be understood only by certain people who are aware o…
inside scoop
The newest, exclusive, or even confidential information on someone or something, especiall…
inside the box
Restricted by convention.
installed base
The number of units of a system or product that are currently in use.
insult one's intelligence
To treat someone as if they are not intelligent or enough to understand something obvious.
interpret away
To smooth out undesired concepts and teachings in a text, often one of fundamental importa…
into detail
Thoroughly; including every detail.
into power
In the act or process of assuming control, authority, control or leadership.
into the wide blue yonder
A faraway place which is unknown and mysterious.
into thin air
Immediately and inexplicably out of sight.
invited to the cookout
Of an outsider, supportive and understanding of African Americans to such an extent as to …
Irish hint
A very clear and unsubtle indication.
iron eagle
An American military officer who has attained the rank of colonel but will not be promoted…
iron fist
Ruthless and usually unrestricted control.
ironing board
A flat-chested woman.
is a bear Catholic
Obviously! Rhetorical question in response to a question where the answer is an emphatic y…
it can't be helped
It is inevitable. There is no alternative.
it figures
Used to indicate that a preceding event or statement by another is an unsurprising accompa…
it is what it is
That's life; expressing resignment to a situation or set of circumstances, usually without…
it takes all kinds to make a world
Diversity is essential: the world would be incomplete if everyone were alike; an expressio…
it takes one to know one
Expressing the same underlying character-judgment themes as pot calling the kettle black o…
it takes two to make a quarrel
It takes two or more people to cause a quarrel; one cannot blame an argument entirely on t…
it takes two to tango
Some things need the active cooperation of two parties; blame is to be laid on both partie…
it's about time
Used to express impatience at the eventual occurrence of something that the speaker or wri…
it's all good
Used to express unconcern.
it's all Greek to me
I don't understand any of it; it makes no sense.
it's early days
Indicating it is too soon to know the outcome of a situation, often implying it is too ear…
it's five o'clock somewhere
Used as an excuse for drinking alcoholic beverages outside of customary hours.
it's none of your business
It's a matter (especially a private or personal one) that you are not entitled to be invol…
itch the ditch
To masturbate by stimulating one's vagina.
itchy feet
A strong desire to travel; wanderlust.
itchy trigger finger
The metaphorical trigger finger of a person with a tendency or readiness to act in haste o…
ivory tickler
A pianist
ivory tower
A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of…