made in the shade

English

WOTD – 26 February 2011

Etymology

Possibly from a children's rhyme: "ice-cold lemonade, made in the shade, stirred with a spade, by an old maid."

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Adjective

made in the shade (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) In a condition characterized by comfort, success, easy living, or general well-being.
   • 1966 November 1, Paul Beck, “Reagan Says He Would Choose ‘Best Talent’ to Help Run State”, in Los Angeles Times, page 1:

     Republicans should not "believe these stories that we're taking it easy—that we've got it made in the shade."

   • 1978, Russell Banks, The New World, →ISBN, pages 76–77:

     "You got it made now, Parson," Feeney informed him. "You know that? Made in the shade. . . . You lucky bastard,"

   • 2005, Mark Anthony Jarmon, "Righteous Speedboat," in Our Game: An All-Star Collection of Hockey Fiction by Doug Beardsley, →ISBN, p. 242:

     Courtnall has it made in the shade now, big money, owns restaurants and a spiffy log cabin on a cliff over the crashing ocean.

Usage notes

• Usually found in the formations have it made in the shade or got it made in the shade.

See also

• have it made
• place in the sun