in the bag

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

But when you toss and shake the molecules in the bag, they can’t connect or easily get a grip on one another.

From National Geographic Kids

Koch made it that they needed every club in the bag.

From BBC

Hungarian host and Trump ally Viktor Orban was first on to Facebook with his delighted message: "It's in the bag!"

From BBC

As for Black voters, the expectation is that Harris has them in the bag, but wait, does she?

From Los Angeles Times

They were looking at the early voting in the swing states and they figured they had it in the bag, according to Puck's Tara Palmieri:

From Salon