ɪn ðə bæɡ
General
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Inside a bag or container
What does "in the bag" mean?
- Certain to be achieved or won
- As good as done; virtually guaranteed
Examples
- Don't worry—the contract is in the bag.
- With a 20-point lead, the game was in the bag.
- She thought the promotion was in the bag.
Origin
Possibly from hunting—game placed in a bag is already caught. Or from the bag used to collect votes, suggesting a predetermined outcome.
How to use it
Expresses confidence about an outcome. Can be overconfident if used prematurely.
Similar expressions
certain
assured
a done deal
guaranteed
Opposites
up in the air
uncertain
undecided
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "in the bag" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.