A “shoo-in” is someone or something that is almost certain to win, succeed, or be chosen. It’s like saying “a sure thing” or “a lock.”
People drop the phrase when they’re talking about anything that feels guaranteed: “She’s a shoo-in for the promotion,” “That movie’s a shoo-in for an Oscar,” or “With those grades, he’s a shoo-in at Harvard.” It’s casual, upbeat, and used in sports, work, school, even small bets among friends.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• “Our team is a shoo-in for the finals.”
• “That puppy is so cute—it’s a shoo-in to get adopted first.”
• “If you apply early, you’re a shoo-in for the scholarship.”
Common Context
Mostly spoken English, pop-culture talk, and quick news headlines. You’ll hear it on podcasts, in group chats, or when friends are making weekend sports predictions.
Is it “shoe-in” or “shoo-in”?
Always “shoo-in” with two o’s. The wrong spelling “shoe-in” is a common typo.
Can a thing be a shoo-in, or only a person?
Anything can be a shoo-in—teams, movies, job candidates, even vacation spots if they’re seen as guaranteed picks.
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