in the bag
Meaning
Certain to be achieved; already secured or guaranteed (often about a win, deal, or result).
Origin
From the idea of something already captured and physically in a bag. It became a figurative way to say a victory or prize is secured, popular in 20th-century American English and later widespread.
Notes
Conveys confidence that an outcome is already secured. Often casual. Can sound smug or premature if said before it’s truly finished; commonly used to warn against overconfidence (“don’t assume it’s in the bag”).
Examples
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With a 20-point lead and two minutes left, the game was in the bag.
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She thought the job was in the bag after the final interview, but they chose someone else.
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Once we got the signed contract, the deal was in the bag.
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Don’t celebrate yet—this project isn’t in the bag until the client approves it.
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After he nailed his audition, he knew the role was in the bag.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically used after a form of “be” (is/was/should be) or with “have” (have it in the bag). Can be modified: “pretty much in the bag.” Fixed phrase; rarely pluralized or reordered.
Synonyms
- a sure thing
- certain
- guaranteed
- in hand
- locked up
- all sewn up
- in the can
Antonyms
- up in the air
- uncertain
- not guaranteed
- touch and go