shoo-in

[ shoo-in ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a candidate, competitor, etc., regarded as certain to win.

shoo-in

noun

1. a person or thing that is certain to win or succeed
2. a match or contest that is easy to win

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoo-in¹

1945–50, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase shoo in

Example Sentences

You write in Friday’s edition that the Dodgers are a shoo-in for the World Series and then they drop Game 5.

From Los Angeles Times

But Trump is no shoo-in here, either — despite his push for Black voters in recent weeks, including a convention airing of an Amber Rose/Forgiato Blow rap video meant to show the party’s inclusiveness.

From Los Angeles Times

They have home advantage on Saturday against a side that hasn’t even led against them this season, not to mind beaten them, but they’re not a shoo-in.

From BBC

The shoo-in for best musical revival, “Merrily We Roll Along,” offers another tale of unlikely triumph.

From Los Angeles Times

Cusano might have been the surprise of the spring, but if coaches gave away an award for transfer of the spring, Akron transfer safety Tyson Durant would be a shoo-in.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• front-runner