in the black

From the standard accounting practice of using black ink, as opposed to red ink, to denote positive values, especially a net income.

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

• Audio (US):

  (file)

in the black

1. (accounting, idiomatic) Having positive net income; having greater income than expenses; making a profit.
2. (accounting, idiomatic) Having positive net worth.

• in the hole
• in the red