English Reference
Idiom idiom

made in the shade


In a condition characterized by comfort, success, easy living, or general well-being.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

With that new promotion, you have it made in the shade.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of hard work, she finally saved enough money to retire and now has it made in the shade.

COMPLEX

Having secured a lucrative contract that guarantees his financial future for decades, he effectively has it made in the shade for the rest of his life.


disputed origin

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


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  3. 03

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  4. 04

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

  5. 05

    enough to make the angels weep

    Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

  6. 06

    fine feathers make fine birds

    Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

  7. 07

    have it made

    To have accomplished all there is to do; to have no further work or difficulty.

  8. 08

    it takes all kinds to make a world

    Diversity is essential: the world would be incomplete if everyone were alike; an expression of surprise at a person or people's eccentricity.

Last updated August 10, 2026