1.
If you are in the ~ of doing something, you are doing it at the moment.
We are in the ~ of one of the worst recessions for many, many years.
PREP-PHRASE: usu v-link PREP -ing/n
2.
If something happens in the ~ of an event, it happens during it.
Eleanor arrived in the ~ of a blizzard.
PREP-PHRASE
3.
If someone or something is in the ~ of a group of people or things, they are among them or surrounded by them.
Many were surprised to see him exposed like this in the ~ of a large crowd...
= amid, among
PREP-PHRASE
4.
You say that someone is in your ~ when you are drawing attention to the fact that they are in your group. (FORMAL)
We’re lucky to have such a man in our ~.
PHRASE: v-link PHR