in the bag

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

"We're disappointed with the result today, but to have a final against Denmark at home, with a play-off still in the bag, what more can you ask for?"

From Barron's

That Nobel Peace Prize is definitely in the bag now, especially after he followed up with another post on Saturday that warned, “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious and sweet.”

From Salon

I would throw them in the bag, and then in the session, I pull out a prompt, and we go from there.

From Los Angeles Times

Charlotte says as soon as shopping for back-to-school essentials was in the bag, she saw a switch to "cosy" autumnal spending.

From BBC

Maher said Anderson, operating with an alleged budget of $175m, was working on "his most ambitious canvas" and concluded the film has an "easy best picture Oscar nomination in the bag".

From BBC