In the black
/ɪn ðə blæk/
Definition
The meaning: In the black is an expression used to indicate financial profitability, meaning a company or individual is making more money than they are spending.
La signification: Cette expression est utilisée pour indiquer qu'une entreprise ou une personne est rentable, c'est-à-dire qu'elle gagne plus d'argent qu'elle n'en dépense.
Note: This phrase is the opposite of "in the red," which means to be in debt or losing money.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Être rentable
» Avoir un solde positif
» Être en bénéfice
A: Comment se porte ton entreprise ?
B: Très bien, nous sommes en bénéfice depuis six mois.
English synonyms
» Turning a profit
» Financially stable
» In good financial shape
A: How’s your business doing?
B: Great! We’ve been in the black for six months now.
Example Dialogue
Lebohang: "How’s the company doing this year?"
Naledi: "We’re finally in the black after a tough year."
Lebohang: "That’s great news! What changed?"
Naledi: "We cut unnecessary expenses and focused on high-profit projects."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase "in the black" originates from accounting, where profits are traditionally recorded in black ink, while losses are recorded in red ink. Being in the black means that financial records show a surplus, indicating profitability.
Audience
The phrase "in the black" is commonly used in business, finance, and economic discussions. It is particularly relevant in corporate settings, investment analysis, and personal finance conversations.
When to use: Use this phrase when discussing financial health, profitability, or positive cash flow. For example:
"Our company had a tough quarter, but we’re back in the black."
It is suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts, including business reports, financial reviews, and investment discussions.
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge says "If a bank account is in the black, it contains some money, and if a person or business is in the black, that person or business has money in the bank and is not in debt."
"I've never had enough dosh, man. I have never been in the black except for the first few days of last month."
News Snippet
"There are few losers, then. The early backers of elite startups are in the black. Buyers of public stocks can shun the young companies if they are too speculative once they go public. It’s all good&md&sh;except for the startups themselves, perhaps. They are the ones under the most pressure to figure out how to thrive far into the future."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
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Common Terms & Expressions
In the Black: A financial term indicating that a person or organisation is operating profitably, meaning their revenues exceed their expenses.
Example: "After a successful quarter, the company reported that it was in the black for the first time in years."
In the Red: The opposite of "in the black," meaning an individual or business is operating at a loss or in debt.
Example: "The company struggled last year and remained in the red until new investors stepped in."
Break Even: When income and expenses are equal, resulting in neither profit nor loss.
Example: "After months of struggling, the business finally managed to break even."
Cash Cow: A business, product, or investment that generates steady and significant profits.
Example: "Their subscription service turned out to be a real cash cow for the company."
Financially sound: A state of financial stability and health, where an individual, firm, or organisation has zero debt levels.
Example: "Despite previous losses, the latest sales figures show we're financially sound."
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