ɪn ðə pɪŋk
Colors
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- inside the color pink
What does "in the pink" mean?
- in excellent health or condition
- feeling very well physically
Examples
- After six months of regular exercise, she's back in the pink.
- The doctor said he's in the pink and doesn't need any follow-up visits.
- Despite his age, the retired athlete is still very much in the pink.
Origin
Dates to the 16th century. Shakespeare used 'the pink of' to mean the finest example. Pink here refers to the healthy rosy glow of good health.
How to use it
Often used to describe someone who has recovered from illness or who looks healthy and energetic.
Similar expressions
fit as a fiddle
in fine fettle
in good shape
Opposites
under the weather
in poor health
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- give the green light
to give permission or approval to proceed
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
Use it in a practice answer
Try "in the pink" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.