C'est dans la poche

Expression: C'est dans la poche

Pronunciation: [say da(n) la puhsh]

Meaning: it's in the bag, a sure thing, a done deal

Literal translation: it's in the pocket

Register: informal

Notes: I like the French expression c'est dans la poche better than its English equivalent "it's in the bag." It seems to me that something in your pocket is more "owned" than something in a bag, and since it's also closer to you it's harder to take away.

Examples:

   Je sais qu'il va gagner - c'est dans la poche !
   I know he's going to win - it's in the bag!

   - Tu n'as pas encore fait tes achats de Noël ?
   - Non, mais Michel va m'aider. C'est dans la poche !
   - You haven't done your Christmas shopping yet?
   - No, but Michel is going to help me. It's a done deal!

Related: avoir quelque chose en poche / dans sa poche - to be assured of success, to have something all sewed up

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