I
Idioms beginning with "I"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of I:
[ill-gotten gains] {n. phr.}
Goods or money obtained in an illegal or immoral fashion.
The jailed criminal had plenty of time to think about his ill-gotten gains.
[impose on] {v.}
To try to get more from (a person who is helping you) than he or she intended to give.
Don't you think you are imposing on your neighbor when you use his telephone for half an hour?
* /You may swim in the Allens' pool so long as […]
[improve on] or [improve upon] {v.}
To make or get one that is better than (another).
Dick made good marks the first year, but he thought he could improve on them.
* /Charles built a new model racer for the derby race, because he knew he could […]
[I'm telling you] {informal}
It is important to listen to what I am saying.
Marian is a smart girl but I'm telling you, she doesn't always do what she promises.
[in a bad frame of mind] {adv. phr.}
In an unhappy mood.
Make sure the boss is not in a bad frame of mind when you ask him for a raise.
Contrast: [IN A GOOD FRAME OF MIND].
[in a bad way] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
In trouble or likely to have trouble.
If you have only those two girls to help you, you are in a bad way.
* /Jerry has written only one sentence of his term paper that is due tomorrow, and he knows he is in a […]
[in a big way] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
As fully as possible; with much ceremony.
Our family celebrates birthdays in a big way.
John likes to entertain his dates in a big way.
[in a bind] or [in a box] {adv. phr.}, {informal}
Likely to have trouble whether you do one thing or another.
* /Sam is in a bind because if he carries home his aunt's groceries, his teacher will be angry because he is late, and if he doesn't, his aunt […]