is in bed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in bed with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a close or collusive relationship between two parties, often with a negative connotation. Example: "The politician is in bed with big corporations, raising concerns about conflicts of interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Hosting Carson and other Republican candidates, the critics said, continues to convey the impression that the Southern Baptist Convention SBCC) is "in bed with the Republican Party," as Baptist21 put it.

The Washington Post

Upon hearing the news, Göring phoned Oesau's staff Göring – "Is the Kommodore flying?" Staff – "No, he is in bed with fever".

Wikipedia

"Rupert Murdoch is in bed with Cameron.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Their army is in bed with Israel's.

The Economist

The protagonist, Elizabeth Kiehl, is in bed with her husband.

The Guardian - Books

If anyone is in bed with Russia, it's the Clintons".

The Guardian

This awakens her mother, who is in bed with her.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's in bed with Goldman Sachs.

The New Yorker

We're in bed with each other.

The New York Times

"He was in bed with his wife.

The New Yorker

They're in bed with the Ulster Unionists.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "collaborating with" or "partnering with" if you intend to convey a neutral or positive association.

Common error

Avoid using "is in bed with" when you simply mean that two entities are cooperating or have a friendly relationship. The phrase strongly suggests collusion or impropriety, which can be misleading if not intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in bed with" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe a close relationship between two parties, often implying collusion, compromise, or undue influence. As noted by Ludwig, it suggests more than simple collaboration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is in bed with" is a common idiom used to describe a close relationship between two parties, often implying a negative connotation of collusion or undue influence. As Ludwig AI highlights, this idiomatic expression functions to express criticism or suspicion. While grammatically correct and widely used, it's important to be mindful of its connotations and to use it appropriately, considering alternatives like "collaborating with" or ""partnering with"" when a neutral tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

colluding with

Focuses on secret cooperation for illicit or deceitful purposes.

in cahoots with

Suggests a secretive partnership, often implying wrongdoing or conspiracy.

in league with

Implies a formal agreement or alliance, often for a specific goal.

hand in glove with

Emphasizes a very close and cooperative relationship, suggesting seamless collaboration.

allied with

Indicates a formal or informal partnership for mutual support or benefit.

affiliated with

Suggests a connection or association, often in a formal or official capacity.

in partnership with

Highlights a collaborative business or organizational relationship.

associated with

Indicates a connection or relationship, often without implying impropriety.

working closely with

Focuses on the cooperative aspect of a relationship, emphasizing active collaboration.

in collaboration with

Highlights joint efforts towards a common goal, often in a professional or creative context.

FAQs

What does the idiom "is in bed with" mean?

The idiom "is in bed with" typically means that two parties have a close, often secretive or inappropriate, relationship. It often implies collusion, undue influence, or a conflict of interest.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is in bed with"?

Use "is in bed with" when you want to suggest a compromising or unethical relationship between two entities. It's fitting when implying that one party's actions are influenced by a close association with another, possibly to the detriment of others.

What are some alternatives to "is in bed with" that don't imply wrongdoing?

If you want to describe a close relationship without negative connotations, consider using alternatives like "collaborating with", "partnering with", or "working closely with".

Is "is in bed with" considered formal or informal language?

"Is in bed with" is generally considered informal language. While it appears in news and media, it maintains a somewhat colloquial tone. For formal writing, consider using more neutral terms like "affiliated with" or "associated with".