Idiom
in good nick
Meanings
In very good condition; well maintained and working properly.
Definition
If something is in good nick, it is in good condition and works well.
In British English, if something is in good nick, it is in very good condition. It usually means the item looks well cared for and has no major damage. People often use it for cars, bikes, clothes, or equipment that still works properly.
Examples
- The second-hand car is in good nick for its age.
- I serviced my bike last week, so it’s in good nick now.
- Her coat is still in good nick after three winters.
- The flat was old, but the kitchen was in good nick.
- If the laptop’s in good nick, I’ll buy it.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "in a good nick" but the usual form is "in good nick" without an article.
More at B2 level
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- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (adjectival phrase)s
- off one's trolley To be off one's trolley means to behave in a crazy, irrational, or wildly unreasonable way.
- on the pull Trying to meet and attract someone for a casual romantic or sexual relationship, especially on a ni…
- in hot water To be in hot water means to be in trouble or facing criticism because of something you did.
- under the cosh If someone is under the cosh, they are under strong pressure or being controlled harshly.
- under the weather If you are under the weather, you feel slightly ill or not at your best.