in the black

/ɪn ðə blæk/

financially profitable

After cutting costs, the company ended the quarter in the black.

After reducing expenses, the company reported a profit for the quarter.

◆ What It Really Means

financially profitable or solvent

¶ Literal Meaning

being in a state where financial records show a positive balance

Literal Breakdown

inlocated within a state+the blackblack ink representing positive numbers in accounting ledgers

◇ Mental Image

A mental picture of a ledger book where positive numbers are written in black ink, indicating financial health.

◈ When to Use

A business owner reviewing monthly financial statements notices that revenue exceeded expenses, and says, 'We're in the black this month!'

◉ Cultural Note

The phrase reflects the historical practice of recording profits in black ink and losses in red ink in accounting ledgers. This visual distinction became a metaphor for financial health.

Finance

financial/business

having a positive balance; financially profitable or out of debt.

The startup finally turned in the black after two years of losses.

The startup became profitable after two years of operating at a loss.

Thanks to strong sales, we expect to be in the black by December.

Due to high revenue, we anticipate reporting a profit by December.

Often used in accounting and financial reporting to indicate profitability.

Collocations

stay in the blackremain profitableturn in the blackbecome profitable

Synonyms

profitable solvent in profit out of the red

Antonyms

in the red unprofitable in debt

Related Phrases

in the redphrase

operating at a loss or in debt

black inkphrase

profit or surplus

Pro Tip

Avoid confusion with 'in the red'

'In the black' means profitable, while 'in the red' means unprofitable or in debt. Remember: black ink traditionally represents positive numbers in accounting.

Gold Rule

Use in financial contexts only

This phrase is specific to finance and business. Using it elsewhere (e.g., 'She was in the black mood') is incorrect and may cause confusion.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from accounting practices where positive balances were traditionally recorded in black ink on ledger sheets, while negative balances (losses) were written in red ink. This visual distinction led to the idiomatic use of 'in the black' to mean financially healthy.

Usage Notes

Primarily used in business and financial contexts. Avoid using it in non-financial contexts, as it may confuse listeners.

Word Breakdown

within a state or condition

preposition

the black

positive financial balance

noun phrase

English Dictionary

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