What does “In the clink” mean?
"In the clink" means being in prison.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He spent the night in the clink after getting arrested.
Example
The thief was finally caught and put in the clink.
Example
The notorious gangster was known for his frequent stays in the clink
Is “In the clink” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“In the clink” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “In the clink” effectively in context?
You can use "In the clink" to refer to someone being in prison. It's a casual and colloquial expression that is often used in informal conversations or storytelling. For example, if a friend tells you about their recent arrest, you might say, 'Oh no, you were in the clink? What happened?'
- 1Legal Troubles
He spent the night in the clink after getting arrested.
- 2Crime
The thief was finally caught and put in the clink.
- 3Criminal Reputation
The notorious gangster was known for his frequent stays in the clink.
Similar phrases to “In the clink”:
Locked up
In prison or jail
Example
He was locked up for his involvement in the robbery.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “In the clink” come from?
The origin of the phrase "In the clink" is unknown.
Is “In the clink” common in everyday conversation?
"In the clink" is not as common as some other idioms, but it is still used in everyday conversation, especially in informal settings. It may be more commonly used in certain regions or among specific groups of people.
What tone does “In the clink” have?
"In the clink" conveys a tone of informality and familiarity. It is often used in a lighthearted or joking manner when discussing someone's time in prison.
Can “In the clink” be used in informal and formal settings?
"In the clink" is a very informal expression and should be used with caution in formal settings. It is best suited for casual conversations among friends or acquaintances.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He ended up in the clink after the altercation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's back "in the clink"!' to imply someone has returned to prison.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- in jail
- in custody
- in the slammer
- in the hoosegow
- in the pen
Antonyms
- free
- out of prison
- at liberty
- on the outside
