in work
Employed. After almost a year of unemployment, I'm thrilled to be back in work right now. A: "Are you still in work at the local college?" B: "Yes, I work in the library." Just tell the recruiter that you're not in work at the moment. She doesn't need to know that you got fired!
out of work
Unemployed. Joe was out of work for nearly six months after the economy crashed. You'll be out of work if you ever pull a stunt like that again, do you understand?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
out of work
unemployed; having lost one's job. Todd was out of work for almost a year. Too many people were out of work, and the economy got into trouble.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
out of work
Unemployed; also, having no work to do. For example, He lost his job a year ago and has been out of work ever since, or They don't give her enough assignments-she's always out of work. Shakespeare used this expression in Henry V (1:2): "All out of work and cold for action."
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in/out of ˈwork
having/not having a paid job: I’ve been out of work for a year. ♢ Is your husband in work at the moment? ♢ an out-of-work actorFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
out of work
Without a job; unemployed.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.