In the Dark

Meaning of Idiom

In the Dark: 1. To be uninformed or unknowledgeable about something or someone. 2. In secret, hidden. ¹,²

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Usage

Other than “to be in the dark” this idiom has several standard phrasal variations :

keep someone in the dark, to
stay in the dark, to
remain in the dark, to

The first of these variations is very common and means to deliberately keep someone uninformed about something. ³

Many other variations are possible.

Examples of Use

“You can try to keep me in the dark if you want but I will find out what is going on around here.”

“The plan was made in the dark.”

“I am in the dark about any plans to open a new store.”

“For now, you’re going to have to remain in the dark about the agreement.”

Origin

Used since the late 1600’s.

More Idioms Starting with I

• I Could Murder (A Food/Drink)
• It’s All Good
• In One’s Face
• Iron Out
• If I Had My Druthers

More Dark Idioms

• Shot in the Dark
• Pitch Dark
• Dark Horse Idiom

More In Idioms

• In The Pink
• Sleep In
• In the Black
• In the Red
• Go In One Ear and Out the Other

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References

1. Spears, Richard A. McGraw-Hill’s American Idioms Dictionary. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2008.
2. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
3. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.