A “shoo-in” is a person or thing that is almost certain to win, succeed, or be chosen. It suggests the outcome is so obvious that you could “shoo” them in with no resistance.
People say it when they’re talking about anything from job promotions to sports finals. “She’s a shoo-in for the manager role” or “That horse is a shoo-in at tomorrow’s race” means everyone already expects the win.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- The lead actor is a shoo-in for the award after that performance.
- With those grades, you’re a shoo-in for the scholarship.
- They thought the local team was a shoo-in, but the game went to overtime.
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear “shoo-in” in casual chats, sports commentary, and election talk. It’s never formal and always signals high confidence, not absolute certainty.
Is “shoo-in” the same as “guaranteed”?
Close, but “shoo-in” feels more informal and optimistic. It still leaves room for a surprise upset.
Can things other than people be called a shoo-in?
Yes—projects, teams, movies, even recipes can be a shoo-in if everyone expects them to succeed.
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