ENGLISH
REFERENCE

high cotton

idiom
Meaning

The best of times; a time of well being.


Origin

disputed origin

The term "high cotton" or "tall cotton" originates from the rural farming community in the antebellum (pre-Civil War) South when "high cotton" meant that the crops were good and the prices were, too. The term has generalized to mean one is doing well or is successful.

Examples
SIMPLE

Life is in high cotton for them right now.

CONTEXTUAL

After the promotion and the new house, the family is really living in high cotton.

COMPLEX

Having finally achieved the professional success he long sought, he found himself in high cotton, enjoying the fruits of his labor.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    come hell or high water

    Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.

  2. 02

    cotton to

    To like; approve of, accept, or tolerate.

  3. 03

    friends in high places

    Friends who have authority or influence and who can ensure that one's interests will be protected or furthered.

  4. 04

    get high

    To intoxicate oneself with drugs or other substances.

  5. 05

    get off one's high horse

    To stop acting in an imperious, overbearing or bossy manner.

  6. 06

    hell or high water

    Highly adverse circumstances; acts of God.

  7. 07

    high and dry

    Abandoned, stranded, helpless.

  8. 08

    high and low

    Everywhere; all over the place.

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