home and dry
Safe or successful
直訳: At your house and not wet
Use it when the hardest part is over and success is 100% certain.
15秒でわかる
- Used when a difficult task is successfully finished.
- Means you are safe from failure or further problems.
- Very common in British and Australian everyday English.
意味
This phrase means you have finally finished a difficult task or reached safety. It is that feeling of relief when the hard part is over and success is guaranteed.
主な例文
3 / 6Finishing a big exam
I've handed in my final paper, so I'm home and dry now!
I've finished my last exam, so I'm safe and successful now!
Closing a business deal
Once they sign this last document, we'll be home and dry.
Once they sign this last document, our success is guaranteed.
Texting a friend about a house move
The keys are in my hand! Home and dry at last.
I have the keys! I've successfully moved in.
文化的背景
The phrase is deeply rooted in maritime history and the unpredictable British weather. It reflects a culture that values the safety of the home as the ultimate reward for hard work. While common in the UK and Commonwealth countries, Americans usually substitute it with 'home free'.
The 'Almost' Rule
You can say 'almost home and dry' if you are on the very last step. It shows you are confident but still careful.
Regional Cousins
If you are in the US, use 'home free'. If you are in Australia, 'home and hosed' will make you sound like a local!
15秒でわかる
- Used when a difficult task is successfully finished.
- Means you are safe from failure or further problems.
- Very common in British and Australian everyday English.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking home during a massive rainstorm. Once you step inside your front door and grab a towel, you are safe. That is the core of home and dry. It means you have successfully completed a project or survived a challenge. You are no longer in danger of failing. The hard work is behind you. Now, you can finally relax and breathe.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase after a major milestone. Use it with the verb to be. For example, "We just need to sign the contract, then we are home and dry." It often appears in the future tense or present perfect. It describes the moment success becomes certain. It is like crossing the finish line in a race. You are not just winning; you are finished.
When To Use It
Use this when a long process is ending. It is perfect for finishing university exams. Use it when a stressful work project finally gets approved. It works well in sports when a team has a huge lead. You can also use it when traveling. Once you clear airport security, you might feel home and dry. It is a great way to share relief with friends.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the task is still dangerous. If there is a 1% chance of failure, you are not home and dry yet. Avoid using it for very small, easy tasks. You would not say you are home and dry after brushing your teeth. It is also a bit too casual for a legal document. Do not use it if someone is actually grieving. It is about success, not just being physically indoors.
Cultural Background
This idiom is very popular in British and Australian English. It likely comes from the idea of returning from the sea. For a sailor, being home and dry meant the voyage was over. They were no longer at the mercy of the waves. It captures the cozy, safe feeling of the British Isles. It turned from a literal description into a metaphor for any success. It has been used since the 19th century.
Common Variations
In American English, people often say home free instead. Both mean the same thing. You might also hear home and hosed in Australia. This version implies you have finished the race and washed up. All three phrases share that sense of finality. They all mean the struggle is officially over. You can choose the one that fits your location best.
使い方のコツ
This is a neutral-to-informal idiom. It is perfect for the workplace when talking to colleagues, but avoid it in high-level legal contracts or very somber academic papers.
The 'Almost' Rule
You can say 'almost home and dry' if you are on the very last step. It shows you are confident but still careful.
Regional Cousins
If you are in the US, use 'home free'. If you are in Australia, 'home and hosed' will make you sound like a local!
Don't get literal
If you just took a shower and are literally dry at home, don't use this phrase to describe it—people will think you've won a prize!
例文
6I've handed in my final paper, so I'm home and dry now!
I've finished my last exam, so I'm safe and successful now!
Expresses relief after a long period of studying.
Once they sign this last document, we'll be home and dry.
Once they sign this last document, our success is guaranteed.
Used to identify the final step in a professional process.
The keys are in my hand! Home and dry at last.
I have the keys! I've successfully moved in.
Short and punchy for a text message.
With a three-goal lead and two minutes left, they are home and dry.
With a three-goal lead, their victory is certain.
Describes a situation where the opponent cannot win.
We only have to climb this one 'tiny' mountain, then we're home and dry!
We just have to climb this huge mountain to be safe.
Used sarcastically to highlight a difficult remaining task.
The surgery went well, and the doctors say he's home and dry.
The surgery was successful, and he is out of danger.
Provides comfort by confirming a positive outcome.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
We've passed the hardest part of the project, so we're almost home and ___.
The full idiom is 'home and dry'. While 'safe' is the meaning, it is not part of the fixed expression.
Identify the best situation to use this phrase.
Which scenario fits 'home and dry'?
The phrase is used for the finality of success after a struggle.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality of 'Home and Dry'
Used with friends and family.
We're home and dry, let's party!
Perfect for office talk or news.
The team is home and dry after that goal.
Rarely used in academic writing.
The company is now home and dry regarding the audit.
When to say 'Home and Dry'
Exam Results
Passing the final test.
Sports
Leading by a lot near the end.
Travel
Finding your hotel in a new city.
Work
Finishing a stressful presentation.
よくある質問
10 問No, it is a metaphor. You can be at the office or in a stadium and still be home and dry if you have succeeded.
Yes, they are synonyms. Home free is more common in American English, while home and dry is British.
It is better for spoken business English. In a very formal email, you might prefer the project is successfully completed.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say you are in deep water or not out of the woods yet.
It sounds a bit dramatic for small things. Use it for things that required effort, like I finally finished my taxes, I'm home and dry.
It is always home and dry. Using 'dried' is a common mistake even for some native speakers, but 'dry' is the standard.
It comes from the idea of being out of the rain or the sea. Being dry represents comfort and safety compared to being wet and cold.
No, idioms have a fixed order. You must say home and dry for it to make sense to others.
Not at all! It is still used daily in UK newspapers, sports broadcasts, and casual conversations.
Yes! You can say, 'Don't worry, once you pass the interview, you'll be home and dry.'
関連フレーズ
Home free
To be certain of success (US version).
In the bag
Success is guaranteed or certain.
Out of the woods
No longer in danger or difficulty.
Plain sailing
Something that is easy and without problems.
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