Imagine finishing a big project and knowing it went perfectly, or winning a small contest and feeling the victory is certain. That confident sense of completion is exactly what the idiom “It’s in the bag” conveys. In this post, we’ll explore its meaning, origin, and examples so you can use it naturally in conversations.
Meaning of "It's in the Bag"
The idiom “It’s in the bag” is used when something is successfully concluded or secured. It signals that the outcome is essentially done and cannot fail.
Common uses include:
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Concluded successfully: The goal, task, or challenge is already effectively completed.
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Secured outcome: The result is guaranteed and cannot be lost.
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Casual encouragement: Suggests that success is certain and straightforward.
Short summary: When someone says “It’s in the bag,” they mean the outcome is successfully concluded or secured.
Origin of "It's in the Bag"
The phrase likely originated in the 18th or 19th century. One popular theory comes from hunting: captured prey placed in a bag meant the hunt was finished successfully.
Another explanation involves gambling, where winnings were stored in a bag, signaling that the prize was secured. Over time, the phrase shifted from literal to figurative, coming to represent any success that is effectively guaranteed.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some examples of “It’s in the bag” in different contexts:
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After submitting her final project, Maria smiled, “It’s in the bag.”
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The championship game was tough, but after scoring the final goal, everyone knew it was in the bag.
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“The contract is signed and approved—this deal is in the bag,” said the manager.
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Tom held up his lottery ticket and laughed, “Looks like this one’s in the bag!”
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Finishing the presentation without mistakes made everyone confident, “It’s in the bag.”
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Casual use: “Don’t worry about the dessert—you pre-ordered it, so it’s in the bag!”
Similar Idioms or Phrases
Other idioms with a similar meaning include:
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Signed, sealed, and delivered: Completely finished and finalized.
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In the pocket: Originally gambling-related, meaning secured or won.
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Done deal: Something successfully completed.
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Piece of cake: Suggests ease, sometimes implying assured success.
I love using “It’s in the bag” when a task is completed smoothly or a win is certain. Saying it reminds me to celebrate small victories and recognize when something is already successfully concluded.
“It’s in the bag” is a versatile idiom to express that a goal, task, or victory is successfully concluded and secured. From work projects to casual wins, it fits in both formal and informal contexts. Next time you know the outcome is settled in your favor, try saying it—you’ll feel that little extra confidence boost!