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

You’re just chilling out in the bag, hanging with your buddies, and then you get dumped into a pan full of slippery oil.

From Literature

"If there's a barrier for me when it comes to this candy, it's that they are often crushed in the bag due to how fragile they are," says Ms West.

From BBC

The book was next to his portable stereo, still in the bag.

From Literature

"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

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