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in the money
in the money
1. Fig. wealthy. John is really in the money. He's worth millions. If I am ever in the money, I'll be generous.
2. Fig. in the winning position in a race or contest. (As if one had won the prize money; in horse racing the top three finishers can pay off on bets.) I knew when Jane came around the final turn that she was in the money. The horses coming in first, second, and third are said to be in the money.
in the money
wealthy Many people believe if they become lawyers, they'll really be in the money.
in the money
1. Also, in the chips. Rich, affluent. For example, When he's in the money, he's extremely generous to his friends, or After that box-office bonanza, she's in the chips. The chips in the variant presumably allude to poker chips. [Colloquial; late 1800s]
2. Placing first, second or third in a contest on which a bet has been placed, especially a horse race. For example, My luck held today, and I ended up in the money. [c. 1900]
in the money
1. Slang Rich; affluent.
2. Sports & Games Taking first, second, or third place in a contest on which a bet has been placed, such as a horserace.