in the bag


in the bag

Achieved or won almost as a certainty. Don't start to think we've got this game in the bag, gentlemen. I've seen teams make bigger comebacks than this, so we can't let up. And then, with the election all but in the bag, the report came out, and changed everything.See also: bag

*in the bag

 1. Fig. cinched; achieved. (*Typically: be ~; have something ~.) It's in the bag—as good as done. The election is in the bag unless the voters find out about my past. 2. Fig. Inf. intoxicated. (*Typically: be ~.) Kelly looks like he is in the bag. John is in the bag and mean as hell.See also: bag

in the bag

Assured of success, virtually accomplished or won. For example, The coach thought the trophy was in the bag, or Our new contract is in the bag. The precise allusion in this idiom is unknown. One writer believes it refers to a completed transaction, that is, an item bought and wrapped in a bag. However, it may well refer to the game bag in which hunters place small game such as birds. [c. 1920] Also see under wrap up. See also: bag

in the bag

COMMON If something is in the bag, it is certain that you will get it or achieve it. Between you and me, Paul, it's in the bag. Unofficially, the job's yours. After being 23-16 up at the break, it seemed victory was in the bag for Ponty. Note: The bag referred to here is a hunting bag, in which hunters carry home the animals and birds they have shot. See also: bag

in the bag

1 (of something desirable) as good as secured. 2 drunk. US informalSee also: bag

in the ˈbag

(informal) (of a successful result) almost certain to be achieved: With a three-goal lead and only ten minutes left to play, victory seemed in the bag.See also: bag

in the bag

1. mod. cinched; achieved. It’s in the bag—as good as done. The election is in the bag unless the voters find out about my past. 2. mod. alcohol intoxicated. (see also bagged.) Kelly looks like he is in the bag. See also: bag

in the bag

Assured of a successful outcome; virtually accomplished or won.See also: bag

in the bag

Sure to succeed. The expression alludes to the game bag in which hunters placed small game like birds and which was called simply “a bag” from about 1600 on. However, transferring this idea to a future success did not occur until the first half of the twentieth century. “Don’t you worry, it’s all in the bag” is a relatively early appearance in print, in Raymond Postgate’s mystery, Verdict of Twelve (1940).See also: bag