in the good books
in the good books (idiom)
/ɪn ðə ɡʊd bʊks/
Synopsis
The phrase “in the good books” refers to being in someone’s favor or enjoying their approval. When a person is described this way, it means they have done something pleasing or have built a positive relationship with another, often leading to goodwill or special treatment. Its opposite, “in the bad books,” suggests falling out of favor.
Meanings
- To be liked and approved of by someone.
- To have a favorable reputation with a person or group.
- To be in someone’s favor because of good behavior or good performance.
- To enjoy someone’s trust, support, or goodwill.
Synonyms: in favor; well-regarded; highly thought of; in someone’s good graces; approved of; esteemed; respected; trusted; favored; looked upon kindly.
Example Sentences
- After volunteering for several community projects, Mark was in the good books of the town council.
- Emily stayed in the good books of her manager by consistently meeting deadlines helping her coworkers.
- The student remained in the good books of his professor because he participated actively in every class discussion.
- By handling the difficult situation honestly, James stayed in the good books of his clients and earned their trust.
Etymology and Origin
One line of thought traces the idiom back to ancient practices of keeping lists or records of people, such as proscription lists in Roman times where names were noted for reward or punishment. Over centuries, the word “book” came to represent any kind of record of interest or concern. Early uses of “out of someone’s books” suggested being excluded from favor, which later evolved into positive and negative versions. Another idea links it to literal account books or ledgers where good or bad entries might reflect someone’s standing.
Development of Related Expressions
The concept likely grew from older terms like “black book,” which referred to records of wrongdoing or people in disgrace, used as far back as the late 1500s in England. These books listed offenses or marked individuals for censure. From there, the idea branched into figurative uses where “good books” represented the opposite—being noted positively. The positive form appeared as a natural counterpart once the negative version was established.
Country of Origin
The idiom first took shape in England, emerging from British English during the early 19th century. Its roots lie in the linguistic traditions of the British Isles, where expressions involving records and favor developed over time through everyday speech and literature.
Earliest Known Printed Record
The earliest clear printed example of the phrase comes from Charles Dickens in his novel The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, published in 1839. In the story, a character advises another:
“If you want to keep in the good books in that quarter, you had better not call her the old lady any more.”
This usage shows the expression already carrying its modern meaning of staying in someone’s favor. Earlier related forms existed, but this stands as a key early appearance of the positive version.
Interesting Facts and Notes
A fun detail is how the idiom reflects human nature’s focus on approval and relationships. While “black books” had a longer history tied to punishment, the “good books” version brought a lighter touch to conversations about getting along with others.
Evolution into Modern Use
From its Victorian-era roots, the phrase spread naturally into daily language. It moved beyond literature into spoken English, where people use it to comment on bosses, family members, or friends. Its simplicity helps it endure, allowing quick expression of complex social situations without needing long explanations. Over time, it has stayed straightforward while adapting to new contexts like workplaces or schools.
Variants
- in someone’s good books
- be in the good books
- stay in the good books
- get into someone’s good books
- remain in someone’s good books
Similar Idioms
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