A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

Note: 
The expression does not correlate in meaning with the
phrase in fashion— popular; fashionable: This writer was in
fashion at the beginning of the century.
in a few well-chosen words • in a few words
in a few well-chosen words —said of a short and effective
utterance: He managed to say in a few well-chosen words
what others might not convey in a half-hour speech.
in a few words —
1
. said of smth. stated very briefly: In a few
words Captain Schley gave me an inkling of his plans. 2. in
short; by way of summary: In a few words, they believe that
individual freedom is the fundamental value that must under-
lie all social relations.
See also: not in so many words / without many words.
in a fog • in fog
in a fog —
1
. when there is thick mist or fog: This neon light
impose on someone
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has great penetrating power in a fog. 2. (also: all in a fog) per-
plexed; at a loss: I confess that, until it came to light, I was
in a fog.
in fog — = in a fog 
1
: Flying in fog — which may be called
“blind flying”— involves difficulties not encountered in clear
air.
in a fume • in smoke
in a fume —in an excited state of mind; in an irritable or
angry mood: Every now and then a lady in a fume withdraws
her name.
in smoke —(Underworld) in hiding: Denman advised Nay-
smith to remain “in smoke”— an expression meaning to hide
himself.
in a hole • in the hole
in a hole —(coll.) in an embarrassing or difficult (financial)
position: Lawyers have been known to embezzle their clients
money when they themselves are in a hole.
in the hole —
1
. = in a hole: I couldn’t let the fact come out
that the business was in the hole since I was trying to sell it.
2. (U.S. sl.) said of smth. virtually assured: John knew his new
accounting job was in the hole. 3. (U.S. Prison) in solitary
confinement: If you’re in the hole and complain, they’ll double
your time in the hole.