in the black — having more money than is owed; making a profit rather than a loss
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having more money than is owed; making a profit rather than a loss
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪn ðə blæk/
Example Sentences
- My pizza restaurant has been in the black ever since I started using my grandmother's secret recipe.
- The startup managed to get in the black just three months after launching.
- Thanks to selling my collection of vintage socks online, I'm finally in the black this quarter.
in the black
ADJECTIVE[/ɪn ðə blæk/]
having more money than is owed; making a profit rather than a loss
After months of struggle, the bakery is finally in the black.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from accounting practices where profits were recorded in black ink and losses in red ink in ledger books. The visual distinction became a metaphorical convention in English business language to denote financial gain versus deficit.
Breakdown
black (ink used for recording profits) + in the black (being in a profitable or solvent financial state). Contrasts with "in the red" (red ink for losses).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My pizza restaurant has been in the black ever since I started using my grandmother's secret recipe.”
“The startup managed to get in the black just three months after launching.”
“Thanks to selling my collection of vintage socks online, I'm finally in the black this quarter.”
“The airline industry struggled to stay in the black during the pandemic.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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