in order
In proper sequence or arrangement, as in The children lined up in order of size, or Are the letters all in order? [c. 1400]
Suitable, correct, appropriate, as in A few words on this subject are in order now. [Mid-1800s]
See in short order.
in order that. So that, to the end or purpose that, as in In order that Bob can meet my husband, we've come early. [Early 1700s]
in order to. For the purpose of, as a means to, as in We'll have to hire more help in order to finish on time. This usage always precedes a verb, such as finish in the example. [c. 1700]
QUIZZES
WHO SAID IT: A QUIZ ON PRESIDENTIAL WIT AND WISDOM
Think you know your presidents? Take this quiz and see if you can match the style, wit, and ideology of these memorable lines to the right POTUS.
Question 1 of 9
“I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right. I do believe that right makes might and that if I am wrong, 10 angels swearing I was right would make no difference.”
Words nearby in order
inoperable, inoperative, inoperculate, inopportune, in orbit, in order, inordinate, inorg., inorganic, inorganic acid, inorganic chemistry
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.