in the black

in the black is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression in the black is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "in the black"

Meaning

The idiom “in the black” is used to refer to a financial situation in which an organization or individual has a net gain—that is, more money coming in than going out. This phrase is the opposite of the phrase “in the red”, which refers to a financial situation in which an organization or individual is in debt.

Etymology

The phrase “in the black” is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, when financiers would color-code ledgers to indicate whether a company was making a profit or a loss. Black was the color of the ink used to indicate profits or gains, while red was used to indicate losses. Thus, when a company was “in the black” it meant that it was recording profits.

Usage

The phrase “in the black” is most often used in a business or financial context, to refer to a situation in which an organization or individual is making a profit. It can also be used more generally to refer to any situation in which a person or organization is “in the money”—that is, achieving success or making gains.

Example Sentences

• The company's quarterly financial report showed that it was in the black for the first time in three years.
• The new software made it possible for the startup to move into the black.
• The small business owner was pleased to see that, after all of his hard work, he was finally in the black.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.