# made in the shade

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/made-in-the-shade
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- With that new promotion, you have it made in the shade.
- After years of hard work, she finally saved enough money to retire and now has it made in the shade.
- 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.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.