English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)

IN THE SUN or UNDER THE SUN?

Why are you sitting ~under the sun~ (nonstandard)?
Why are you sitting *in the sun* (standard)?

“Under the sun” is used as an idiom to mean everything that exists or is possible or everything on earth:
She’s tried *everything under the sun* but couldn’t get rid of the stain (standard).
Nobody *under the sun* eats like you do (standard).

“A place in the sun” is also used as an idiom to mean a good or lucky position:
He’s earned *a place in the sun*; he’s just been made a minister (standard).
GAB

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