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

Note: 
The expression does not fully correlate in meaning with
the phrase at pains— = in pains 3: Linda was at pains to see
that no one was left out.
in part • in parts
in part—partly; to some extent : The improvement was
brought about in part by the Trade Union Movement. Cf.: in
good part— to a great extent; largely: These mechanisms are
intensely studied and in good part understood.
in parts —
1
. (of a book) published in installments: Once the
craze was all for issuing volumes in parts; today part publica-
tion is almost unknown. 2. (of a melody) performed by par-
ticular voices or instruments: The old barcarole was sung in
parts, at stem and stern of the same boat, by its own gondo-
liers.
in particular • in the particular
in particular —especially; to an exceptional degree: One
large star in particular excited our admiration.
in the particular —(dated) in a specific case: Though he was
often in the general the avowed enemy of oppression, we never
… found him so in the particular.
in pink • in the pink
in pink —
1
. wearing pink clothes, especially a scarlet hunt-
ing-coat: Although not in pink, I was the best mounted man
in the field. 2. executed or finished in pink color: Decorated in
pink and green the room boasts a king size feather bed and
Jacuzzi for two.
in the pink —(coll.) in the most perfect condition; in very
good health: I am writing these lines to say I am still in the
pink and hoping you are the same.
in place • in places
in place —
1
. in the proper position: One bathroom seemed
all but finished…. A toilet bowl was in place. 2. (also: in order)
be due or appropriate: Some explanation is in place to justify
the seriousness and necessity of this project to everyone.
in places —in some parts but not others: In places, the trees
on both sides formed a tunnel over the river, masking off the
sunlight.