In the black meaning in English

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Definition

to be in the black: to not be in debt, to have money in the bank idiom

After looking at my checking account, I was relieved to see that I still was in the black after paying my taxes. I had some money left in the account.

to be in the red: to be in debt, to have no money in the bank, to owe money to the bank idiom

I'm $5,000 in the red. Did you hear me? I'm $5,000 in debt.

Examples

"I've balanced the books, and it seems we're in the black for the fifth consecutive fiscal year."
"Bruno : We're in the black!"
"Yes, you there, in the red blouse."

Exercise 1

Choose the TRUE statement from the list below.

Bruno offers to serve Icarus a glass of warm milk.

There are several people working in the accounting department at Delavigne.

Icarus tells Bruno that the company has made a profit this year.

Icarus needs help organizing the paperwork of the accounting department.

I don't know

Choose the TRUE statement from the list below.

Bruno offers to serve Icarus a glass of warm milk.

This statement is not true. Bruno tells Icarus that he "deserves that warm glass of milk". What Bruno is saying is that Icarus "merits the glass of milk" or "he is worthy of having it", but not that he will "serve" or give him the glass of warm milk.

There are several people working in the accounting department at Delavigne.

This statement is not true. Bruno tells Icarus: "I'm glad our accounting department, which is you, is capable of organizing our paperwork so efficiently". When Bruno says "which is you", he is expressing that Delavigne's accounting department is comprised solely of one person, Icarus Quincy.

Icarus tells Bruno that the company has made a profit this year.

This is the true statement. Icarus tells Bruno that the company is "in the black". "In the black" is a financial idiom which means "showing a profit" or "in good financial standing". It is directly opposed to the idiom "in the red" which means "operating at a loss", or being in debt.

Icarus needs help organizing the paperwork of the accounting department.

This statement is not true. Icarus says to Bruno: "Let me put your fears to rest". This is an idiomatic expression which means "allow me to calm your worries". It is used when someone wants to comfort or reassure another person.

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