Important idioms and phrases which start with the letter ‘I’
If only
Meaning: Expressing a strong wish or desire.
Example: If only, I would have had a brother to eliminate all sorrows of my life.
If the worst comes to the worst
Meaning: If the worst possible thing happens.
Example: If the worst comes to the worst, we shall leave this place.
(Be) ignorant of
Meaning: Lacking knowledge.
Example: No body in the world is all knowledgeful. Everyone is ignorant of something or the other.
Impose (up) on
Meaning: Force the acceptance of.
Example: Nobody in the world can impose his opinion on others. One can only convince others.
Improve (up) on
Meaning: Do better than.
Example: He has improved up on his performance in studies through hard work and determination.
In a dead faint
Meaning: Utterly insensible.
Example: He used to consider the wise people crazy in a dead faint.
In a huff
Meaning: In a fit of bad temper.
Example: Her father came to know about her love affair. In a huff he left the house.
In a hurry
Meaning: Without difficulty or quickly.
In a moment
Meaning: Very soon.
Example: Don’t worry. I shall not take long. I shall be back within a moment.
In a nutshell
Meaning: In a few words.
Example: Some wise people are able to teach the most complicated of subjects in a nutshell.
In a sense
Meaning: In a way.
Example: He is her guardian, but in a sense, more than a father to her.
In a split second
Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: She told her parents that she would never return back, but in a split second she came back.
In a word
Meaning: In as few words as possible.
Example: Tajmahal is elegant, majestic and magnificent. In a word, its ‘wonderful’.
In addition
Meaning: As well, also.
Example: In addition, she is a good cook.
In advance
Meaning: Before hand.
Example: It is not possible to pay your salary in advance, as you have not even worked for a single day in the office.
In all
Meaning: Considering everything.
Example: In all, she was a good host at the party.
In and out
Meaning: Coming in and going out often.
Example: He was busy in his daughter’s marriage celebrations, thus he was in and out the whole day.
In answer to
Meaning: Something done in return, a reply in the form of action.
Example: She nodded her head in answer to her friend’s question.
In any case
Meaning: Whatever might happen.
Example: In any case, I shall not allow anyone to harm this boy.
In any event
Meaning: Whatever may happen (in the future).
Example: In any event, I shall give you all the information about my whereabouts.
In black and white
Meaning: (Make it) recorded in writing or print.
Example: The advocate told his client to get the writ petition in black and white.
In bulk
Meaning: In large amounts.
Example: These commodities are sold in bulk by the whole-sellers.
In common
Meaning: Of joint interest.
Example: It is in our common interest to avoid the divorce.
In comparison (with)
Meaning: By comparison with.
Example: She is better in looks and personality in comparison to her sister.
In confusion
Meaning: In disorder.
Example: The thief fled away in confusion.
In conjunction with
Meaning: Together with.
Example: She is establishing an import and export house in conjunction with her friend.
In contact with
Meaning: In touch with, in close union.
Example: I have not been in contact with her for the last four years therefore, I don’t know what is she doing now.
In contrast with/to
Meaning: Compared with as opposed to.
Example: She wore a yellow coloured shirt in contrast to black jeans.
In despair
Meaning: Without hope.
Example: Robert Frost had given up all hopes to win the war and was sitting under a tree in despair, when a spider instilled hope in him through his wonderful style of work.
In detail
Meaning: Giving a lot of facts.
Example: Please tell me, all about the accident in detail.
In earnest
Meaning: Seriously.
Example: She told him in earnest, that she had no intention to get married to him.
In force
Meaning: In large number.
Example: People came in force to see the exhibition.
In front of
Meaning: In the presence of.
Example: He beats his son in front of everyone.
In full
Meaning: Completely.
Example: The teachers of many schools don’t recieve their salaries in full during vacations.
In future
Meaning: From now on.
Example: Your father has forgiven you, but don’t repeat this mistake again in future.
In general
Meaning: In most cases.
Example: People in general are loving and affectionate, only a few of them are heartless and cruel.
In good faith
Meaning: Trustingly.
Example: Help others in good faith, if you want their love.
In good repair
Meaning: In a good condition.
Example: His truck is in a good repair.
In bad repair
Meaning: In a bad condition.
Example: Her TV is in bad repair. It can’t be resold at a good price.
In good time
Meaning: Without any risk of being late.
Example: She arrived in good time to take her daughter from the school.
In half
Meaning: Into two parts.
Example: She cut the egg in half and served it to her husband.
In hand
Meaning: (i) Under control.
Example: You must not pamper your children beyond limits, if you want to keep them in hand.
(ii) In one’s possession.
You must spend money wisely, even if you have enough cash in hand.
In high feather
Meaning: Happy, in high spirits.
Example: She was in high feather, when she came to know that she had topped the board exams.
In honour of
Meaning: In memory of, in celebration of.
Example: He is keeping a religious function in honour of his mother.
In hot water
Meaning: In trouble,
Example: He landed up in hot water due to his wrong deeds.
Don’t give trouble to anyone, else you would end up in hot water.
In line
Meaning: In or into a straight line.
Example: The desks were placed in line in the class.
In line with
Meaning: In agreement with.
Example: The newly introduced law is in line with the interest of Indian people.
In memory of
Meaning: As a way of remembering.
Example: He erected a statue in memory of his parents.
In good mood
Meaning: State of mind.
Example: Inspite of all tribulations in her life, she is always in good mood.
In need
Meaning: Wanting help.
Example: Help people in need and God shall help you in need.
In no case
Meaning: In no circumstances.
Example: After all that you have said to me, I shall in no case keep relations with you.
In no time
Meaning: Very quickly.
Example: She felt relieved in no time after taking the wonderful tonic.
In no way
Meaning: Not at all.
Example: She is in no way better than others in looks or intelligence.
In one’s own way
Meaning: In one’s own manner.
Example: Let other’s do things in their own way.
In order
Meaning: In proper condition.
Example: Please keep the things in order in the drawing room.
In particular
Meaning: Especially.
Example: I love all, but my best friend Rubina in particular.
In person
Meaning: Personally.
Example: Everyone of you must come at the birthday party in person.
In place of
Meaning: Instead of.
Example: Her husband prefers juice in place of shake.
In private
Meaning: A way from public notice.
Example: Some people are decent and polite in public, but extremely indecent and rude in private.
In question
Meaning: Raise objection to, express doubt about.
Example: This law was in questions last month.
In return of
Meaning: In exchange for.
Example: She gave her new clothes in return of all the help she gave to her in her sickness.
In search of
Meaning: Looking for.
Example: People go to the mountains in search of peace.
In secret
Meaning: In a hidden place.
Example: Don’t scold your husband in public. Correct his mistakes in secret.
In sequence
Meaning: (of things or events) In the correct order following one-another.
Example: In her family, tragedies occured in sequence. First, her father died, then mother and finally brother died in the accident.
In sight
Meaning: In view.
Example: The two colourful birds were in sight, when I woke up in the morning.
In some ways
Meaning: In some respects.
Example: In some ways her husband is better than her.
In spite of
Meaning: Despite, in opposition.
Example: In spite of the rainfall Lily reached home at time.
In tears
Meaning: Crying.
Example: Shalu was in tears, as she had lost her husband in the war.
In the air
Meaning: Uncertain.
Example: Their plans to implement that law against terrorism are still in the air.
In the distance
Meaning: At a distance, far away.
Example: The plane was visible in the distance.
In the end
Meaning: At last.
Example: Don’t leave doing efforts inspite of all obstacles on the way.
In the event of
Meaning: If (something) happens.
Example: The social worker told his son to carry on his work in the event of his death.
In the face of
Meaning: In spite of.
Example: God takes the test of a good person, whether he succeeds in the face of difficulty or not.
In the first place
Meaning: As the first consideration.
Example: In the first place find out the subjects that interests you, then choose a career.
In the hands of
Meaning: Possessed by.
Example: Each and everything in the world is in the hands of God.
In the least
Meaning: (used in negative sentences) To the smallest degree.
Example: She is not the least concerned about studies.
In the long run
Meaning: Finally.
Example: We may be surrounded with problems now, but in the long run we shall succeed.
In the meantime
Meaning: Meanwhile.
Example: You keep on collecting the resumes of the candidates, in the meantime I shall take their interviews.
In the middle of
Meaning: In the course of.
Example: She was in the middle of her lunch, when she got the news of her mother’s sickness.
In the open
Meaning: (i) Without maintaining secrecy.
Example: We shall have discussion on ‘economic issues’ in the open, and accept the suggestions of the wise ones.
(ii) Not within a building.
They organised a function in the open.
In the possession of
Meaning: In one’s possession.
Example: All my jewellery is in the possession of my sister.
(Be) in the red
Meaning: (Be) in debt.
Example: He was in the red, because of losses in the business.
In the way
Meaning: Causing inconvenience.
Example: Manager had agreed to pay the employees a reasonable amount of money, for giving overtime, but the owner came in the way and spoilt the things.
In time
Meaning: Eventually.
Example: He kept turning his car in a zig-zag motion to save and succeeded in time.
In truth
Meaning: In fact.
Example: In truth, she is a good girl, but shrewd people make stories of her to spoil her reputation in the society.
In vain
Meaning: Useless.
Example: She kept shouting in vain, but her husband didn’t listen to her.
In as much as
Meaning: Since, because.
Example: She could not go to Shimla with her friends, in as much as, she was sick.
(Be) in compatible with
Meaning: Not suitable to be together with.
Example: They are incompatible to each other, as she wants him to be extrovert, while he wants her to be introvert.
(Be) indifferent to
Meaning: Not interested in.
Example: She is indifferent to in fame or defame.
Indulge in
Meaning: Allow (oneself) to enjoy.
Example: She indulges in sports and dance to entertain herself and keep fit.
(Be) inferior to
Meaning: Worse than.
Example: He is inferior to others, but he considers himself superior to others.
Inform against
Meaning: Bring a charge against.
Example: I shall inform against you, if you would not behave properly with me.
(Be) innocent of
Meaning: Not guilty.
Example: She is innocent of the crime, yet some people blame her.
Enquire after
Meaning: Ask about somebody’s health or ask for information.
Example: She inquired after her friend’s health, who was hospitalised last month.
Enquire into
Meaning: Investigate.
Example: The detectives enquired into the matter to scrutinise how the crime took place.
Insist (up) on
Meaning: Be firm on.
Example: The teacher insisted upon the significance of cleanliness in our day to day life.
Instead of
Meaning: In place of.
Example: Instead of watching English movies, I prefer healthy T.V. serials.
Intervene in
Meaning: Interfere in.
Example: Son, don’t intervene in when your parents are having a discussion.
Into line
Meaning: Under control.
Example: If you don’t pamper the child beyond limits, then he would come into line.
Invest in
Meaning: Make an investment in.
Example: Our government should invest in to set up industries.
Involve in
Meaning: Get a person or thing into a complicated or difficult condition.
Example: These days, people don’t help the accident victims, as they are scared of getting involved in the matter.
Iron out
Meaning: Smooth with an iron.
Example: His wife ironed out the creases in his pant.
In one’s sleeve
Meaning: Secretly.
Example: When her husband wore a tom off pant she began to laugh in her sleeve.
Into the bargain
Meaning: In addition.
Example: She gave the price of the dining table and a silver necklace into the bargain.
In the same boat
Meaning: In similar circumstances.
Example: So what if you didn’t get promotion. Remember, I too didn’t get. We are in the same boat.
In the throes
Meaning: In the grip of.
Example: Our nation remained in the throes of British rule for a long time.
In one’s good books
Meaning: In favour with someone.
Example: She is a very brilliant and respectful girl. She is in her teacher’s good books.
In one’s true colours
Meaning: What a person really is.
Example: Most of us show our true colours in private, away from public eyes.
Ins and outs
Meaning: Details.
Example: The new principal knows all the ins and outs of the administration.
Irons in the fire
Meaning: Other interests, things which one is doing for profit.
Example: Why doesn’t the government administrators permit one to have irons in the fire. How can one live on the meagre salary of the goverment job.