IdiomDaily Life

English

in someone's good books

Meaning: In favor with someone.

Example: “Bring flowers and you'll be back in her good books.”

Origin: From the idea of an account book or list of approved people. The phrase is found from the 19th century.

Equivalents in other languages

French: Être en odeur de sainteté Literally: To be in the odor of sanctity
French: Être dans les petits papiers de quelqu'un Literally: To be in someone's little papers

More English idioms

an eye for an eye Punishment should match the injury; revenge in kind.
scream blue murder To protest very loudly.
jump through hoops To go through many difficult or pointless steps to get something.
grease someone's palm To bribe someone.
don't shoot the messenger Don't blame the person who brings bad news.
go by shanks' mare To walk; to travel on foot.

Explore another collection: Untranslatable Words

Words that capture a feeling or idea English needs a whole sentence for.

Kilig The butterflies-and-shivers feeling of romantic excitement — the giddiness triggered by a…
Yuánfèn The invisible thread of fate that brings people together — the destined connection betwee…
Chōu kōng To steal a moment of escape from a hectic schedule — finding a sliver of free time and us…

Browse all untranslatable words →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →