Grammar fix
in the bag
success secured
Used when victory or success seems certain because it is almost secured.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
After the first meeting went so well, we thought we had the deal in the bag.
I thought I had the job in the bag after the interview, but they chose someone with more experience.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We've got the contract on the bag.
Say: We've got the contract in the bag.
The fixed preposition is 'in', as if the result has already been safely put in a bag.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Something is certain to happen
How specific?Any outcomeSuccess
a foregone conclusionThe result seems obvious before the event is over.a sure thingInformal confidence that an expected outcome will happen.
in the bagYou're here · Informal confidence that victory or success is already secured.