English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
In the black
Meaning
The idiom "in the black" means to be in a financial situation where you are making money or earning a profit. It can also refer to being in debt, as being "in the red" means being in debt. The term "black" is derived from the color of ink, which is used to write in accounting books and indicate that a transaction was profitable.
Usage
- My company has been doing great lately, we're finally in the black again after months of struggling.
- I took out a loan to invest in my business, but it hasn't paid off yet - we're still in the red.
- As an artist, it can be tough to make a living, but when you sell that one big piece, you're back in the black.
- My friend lost her job during the pandemic and has been struggling financially ever since - she's been in the red for years now.
- I started my own business last year and was able to turn a profit within six months - I'm finally out of the red!
Roots and History
The idiom "in the black" dates back to the 19th century and is believed to have originated in accounting practices. In the past, accountants would use ink to write down transactions in their books. If a transaction was profitable, it would be written in ink, indicating that the company was "in the black." Over time, the term became used more broadly to refer to being in a financial situation where you are making money or earning a profit.
Synonyms in English
- In the green
- In the black
- Making ends meet
- Breaking even
- Turning a profit
Synonyms in other languages
- En le noir (French) - This idiom means "in the black" and is used to describe a financial situation where you are making money.
- Widrzyć na czarno (Polish) - This idiom means "to write in black" and is used to refer to a profitable transaction or situation.
- En blanco (Spanish) - This idiom means "in the blank" and is used to describe a financial situation where you are in debt.