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

Still “Happy,” truthfully, should have been a shoo-in for Record of the Year given its incessant popularity this past year.

From The Daily Beast

Of course the opposite is true too--if McAuliffe bucks history and wins, then Politico will have to write that HRC is a shoo-in.

From The Daily Beast

The Gyllenhaal siblings are also a shoo-in, though I fear I would jibber and jabber—and possibly giggle—over Jake.

From The Daily Beast

The Iron Lady actress bested frontrunner Viola Davis, who seemed a shoo-in for her turn in The Help.

From The Daily Beast

Kicking off Oscar season, the Telluride Film Festival showcased shoo-in performances by George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, and more.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

• front-runner