We're quids in 💷💰📈

Meaning

We have made a profit or are in a financially advantageous situation.

Origin

The phrase 'quids in' is a colloquial Britishism that emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's a playful twist on the Latin word 'quid,' meaning 'what.' In gambling and financial circles, 'what's the bet?' or 'what's the stake?' was often shortened, and the winner would essentially be saying 'I've got the quid,' or rather, the money. Over time, 'quid' became slang for the British pound, and 'quids in' evolved to signify being on the winning side, having gained money, or being in a state of profit. It's a jubilant cry when the financial outlook turns decidedly positive.

💰💲 money commerce 🏆 success 💪📈 work 📅🕰️ 20th 21st century

We're quids in represented with emoji💷💰📈

This playful arrangement of currency and upward trend arrows functions as a delightful visual metaphor, not just the literal representation of financial gain, but a whimsical nod to the intoxicating feeling of prosperity. It teaches the viewer to see the simple joy and energetic upward swing that comes with a profitable venture.

Examples

  • After selling all our old furniture, we're quids in.
  • With the successful bake sale, the school club is definitely quids in.
  • The squirrels' nut-hoarding strategy paid off; they're quids in for the winter.
  • Thanks to the unexpected rain dance, the local farmers are quids in this harvest season.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'we're quids in' only used for literal money?

No, 'we're quids in' can be used figuratively to describe any situation where you have gained an advantage or benefited, even if no actual money has changed hands. It often implies a surplus of success or a favorable outcome beyond just financial gain.

What's the opposite of 'we're quids in'?

The opposite sentiment of 'we're quids in' would be a phrase indicating a loss or disadvantage, such as 'we're skint' (meaning broke) or 'we've lost our shirts'. These phrases signal a negative financial or advantageous position.

Did 'we're quids in' originate from a specific game or event?

While 'we're quids in' has strong associations with gambling and financial speculation, particularly in British culture, its exact origin isn't tied to a single specific game or event. It likely evolved from general slang related to betting and profit-making, where 'quid' became synonymous with money.

Can 'we're quids in' be used ironically?

Yes, 'we're quids in' can certainly be used ironically, especially when the situation is clearly the opposite of financially advantageous. This ironic usage highlights a bad outcome by sarcastically stating a positive one.

Similar to "we're quids in"

We're sitting pretty
Both phrases convey a sense of secure financial well-being, but 'sitting pretty' evokes a more relaxed, comfortable, and static state of advantage, whereas 'quids in' suggests an active gain or profit
The coffers are full
This one also speaks of financial abundance, but with a distinctly formal, almost regal or institutional tone, picturing a literal treasure chest or treasury overflowing, unlike the informal, everyday feel of 'quids in'
We've hit the jackpot
Both phrases celebrate a significant win, but 'hit the jackpot' implies a sudden, almost unbelievable stroke of luck and a massive, transformative gain, while 'quids in' is more about a straightforwardly good financial outcome, business or otherwise

Opposite of "we're quids in"

We're in the red
This phrase argues that instead of profit, there's a deficit; it highlights the precariousness of financial loss, a stark contrast to the secure gain implied by 'quids in', making the tension about basic solvency versus comfortable profit
We're treading water
This argues that the situation is not one of gain but of mere survival, just enough to avoid sinking, which offers a fascinating contrast to the proactive profit of 'quids in' by focusing on the effort required just to stay in place
We're burning through cash
This phrase counters the idea of profit with the alarming reality of rapid expenditure; it presents a dire, active loss where 'quids in' suggests a positive financial inflow, creating a tension between accumulating wealth and spectacularly mismanaging it

Related to "we're quids in"

Making a killing
This shares the core idea of significant profit with 'quids in' but amps up the intensity, suggesting a more aggressive or opportunistic financial success
A tidy sum
This phrase often describes the result of being 'quids in', referring to the pleasing amount of money that has been gained
Breaking even
This is a crucial stepping stone that often precedes being 'quids in', marking the point where costs are covered before any profit is made
The bottom line
This phrase refers to the ultimate profit or loss, the final result that determines whether one is 'quids in' or not
A licence to print money
This describes a situation or business that is so profitable, it feels like one is consistently making money effortlessly, the ultimate state of being 'quids in'