Welcome, linguistic explorers, to another chapter in the Dictionary of Idioms, Clichés, and Expressions! Today, we unveil the phrase “in the bag.” Spoiler alert: It doesn’t actually involve any shopping bags or cross-body satchels.
Unpacking “In the Bag” 🎒
In the bag - Sure to succeed. The expression alludes to the game bag in which hunters placed small game like birds, which was casually called “a bag” from about 1600 on. However, transferring this idea to a future success didn’t occur until the early twentieth century. A notable early appearance in print is in Raymond Postgate’s mystery, Verdict of Twelve (1940): “Don’t you worry, it’s all in the bag.”
Synonyms: guaranteed, assured, certain, cinched.
Antonyms: uncertain, doubtful, up in the air.
Humor-Filled Quotes and Proverbs
- “Success is often just a shopping trip away—make sure it’s in the bag!”
- “Consider it in the bag if you’ve put in the hard work and a bit of elbow grease.”
Similar Expressions and Idioms:
- Golden goose: A source of continual profit.
- Bolt from the blue: A complete surprise.
- Home run: An unquestionable success.
- Piece of cake: Something very easy to accomplish.
References in Literature, Songs, and Movies 📚📖🎥
Books:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (often uses similar expressions to underline certain triumphs).
- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling (various moments echo the sentiment of assured success).
Songs:
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor (anthem of determination leading to success).
- “We Are the Champions” by Queen (celebrates undoubted victory).
Movies:
- Rocky series (the ultimate triumph against all odds, encapsulating the essence of success being “in the bag”).
- The Pursuit of Happyness (showcases determination leading to ‘in the bag’ moments).
Let’s Quiz! 📝
Thank you for joining this humorous and educational linguistic adventure. Remember, the next time you’re confident about something, you can declare it confidently “in the bag.”
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell: “May your goals always be effortlessly in the bag and your determination unwavering. Always keep a metaphorical ‘game bag’ ready to capture your assured success.”
Until next time, Evan Brightwords
