PhrasesHub

In the bag

    Definitions

      • Certain success or victory
        To express confidence or assurance that something will definitely be achieved or accomplished

      • Guaranteed or secured
        To indicate that something is already obtained or assured, especially in a competitive situation or activity

      • Inescapable or unavoidable
        To convey that something is inevitable or bound to happen, regardless of any efforts or attempts to prevent it

    Examples of In the bag

    • The politician had the election in the bag.

      This idiom means that the politician was almost certainly going to win the election because they had a strong lead and everything seemed to be going their way.

    • The thief thought the heist was in the bag.

      This idiom means that the thief was confident that the robbery would be successful because everything seemed to be going according to plan.

    • The salesperson knew the deal was in the bag.

      This idiom means that the salesperson was certain that the customer was going to make a purchase because they had already agreed to do so.

    • The athlete felt like the championship was in the bag.

      This idiom means that the athlete was very confident that they were going to win the championship because they had been performing exceptionally well leading up to the event.

    • The student aced the exam and felt like it was in the bag.

      This idiom means that the student felt very confident that they had done well on the exam because they had studied thoroughly and answered all the questions correctly.


    Conclusion

    When someone says "it's in the bag", they are expressing a strong belief that something will definitely be achieved or obtained. This idiom can be used in various contexts and situations, such as sports, business, or everyday life. It conveys a sense of certainty and assurance, and can be used to motivate oneself or others.

    In addition to indicating certain success or victory, "in the bag" can also mean that something is guaranteed or secured. This can refer to a competition or deal that is already won, or to a situation or object that is already obtained or assured. It can also be used to express confidence in the outcome of a future event or task.

    Finally, "in the bag" can convey the idea of something being inescapable or unavoidable. This can suggest that a certain outcome or result is bound to happen, regardless of any efforts or attempts to prevent it. It can also be used sarcastically, to express disappointment or resignation about an outcome that was expected or predicted.

    Origin of "In the bag"

    The origin of the idiom "in the bag" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in the United States. One theory suggests that it may have originated in the game of marbles, where players would collect their winnings in a bag at the end of a game. Another theory suggests that it may have come from the practice of placing bets in a bag or hat, with the winner taking the bag or hat as their prize.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a common expression in American English. It has since spread to other English-speaking countries and is now widely used in everyday language.

    Overall, the idiom "in the bag" conveys a sense of confidence and certainty, and is often used to express optimism or assurance. Its origins may be debated, but its usage remains popular and relevant in modern English.