In the chips
Meaning
To be financially prosperous or have a significant amount of money.
Origin
The phrase "in the chips" originates directly from the world of gambling, particularly poker. In card games, players use chips to represent money, betting and winning them during rounds. When a player has a large, impressive stack of chips in front of them, it signifies that they are winning big and are financially well-off in the game. This vivid image of a successful gambler with a commanding pile of chips, flush with winnings, effortlessly transitioned into everyday language, becoming a popular idiom to describe anyone who is prosperous and enjoying considerable wealth.
Examples
- After his latest invention took off, he was definitely in the chips, able to buy that dream house.
- She's been in the chips ever since her investments started paying off handsomely.