"It's in the bag" everything will be ready soon . Surely, you have heard or uttered this expression, while experiencing a pleasant feeling of satisfaction from the fact that all your work is coming to an end, and the matter is nearing the end or a successful ending. But have you ever wondered why people talk about a hat in this situation? Where did this expression come from and what are the versions of the origin of the popular phraseological unit, and when should it still be used? More on all this below.
The meaning of phraseology, what does this expression mean (saying)
The phraseology “it’s in the bag” means that the matter is nearing its end and there will soon be a positive ending, and your efforts will be justified.
In everyday conversation, this saying can often be heard not only in conversations between an adult and a child, but also among adults, because using this expression you can quickly describe the state of affairs. For example, the postman says: “I delivered almost all the letters, there was only one house left, but I only had 1 left in my bag, and the house is ten meters away, so, “it’s in the bag”, we can go home soon!
Or another good example - the cook preparing a delicious pie: The most difficult thing was to knead the dough and shape it and all that was left was to put it in the oven, wait 20 minutes and “it’s done.”
In both the first and second cases, they talk about the hat when everything is in order, the hardest part is over, and there is very little left before a positive result.
Origin of phraseological units (sayings)
It is impossible to say exactly where the phraseological unit came from, and which version can be considered the most suitable, but it is worth noting that they all relate to the hat. So, let's look at all the options why things are "put" in the hat:
They put a bribe in the hat
IN Ancient Rus' There were also people who took and gave bribes. It was called bribery. And it was customary for officials to put this bribe in their hats.
Usually, the one who gave the bribe, after handing it over, expected a quick and positive solution to the issue that bothered him or the resolution of the problem.
And the phrase “it’s in the bag”, in all likelihood, should have been uttered by bribe takers, who in this way convinced the “bribe givers” that all their problems would be solved in the near future.
Letter from a messenger
In ancient times, mail, as such, did not exist, but important documents and letters had to be delivered. Therefore, there were messengers who delivered letters. At the same time, they put the most important messages under their hats so as not to lose them.
When the messengers picked up the documents for shipment, they informed the sender “the deal is in the bag,” which meant “the job will be done, I will deliver your message to the addressee on time.” Over time, the phraseological unit began to be used in other situations.
Judgment in a court case
During the reign of Ivan IV (the Terrible), decisions in many court cases were made based on how the lot fell, which the convicted person had to draw from the judge's hat. And if the decisions were already in the bag, then the defendants and others present at the trial understood that a decision would be made in the near future.
It must be said that linguistic experts deny this version and consider it incorrect, since during the reign of Ivan IV the word hat did not yet exist in Russian speech.
Jewish tradition
There is an assumption that, thanks to the lot, the Jews determined who should receive permission to carry out various types of business, for example: buying and selling things, or receiving a business proposal. And the hat, in such a situation, acted as an object that gave hope for success. After all, everyone believed in their victory and luck and knew that in this case everything would be fair, because everyone had the same probability of success. That is why, later, another phraseological unit gained popularity - “to screw up”, which meant the loss of an opportunity and the omission of something important.
In general, all the proposed options are unusual in their origin and presentation, but require special consideration, and until linguists have determined which option most deserves to become the ancestor of this saying, you can choose the option you like best for the origin of the phraseological unit “it’s in the bag” "
Examples of sentences about “it’s in the bag”
- We have concluded a contract, we just need to sign the documents - “the deal is in the bag.”
- I will pass the session early because last exam I’ll close it “automatically” - “it’s in the bag.”
- The house is built, all that remains is to hand over the keys to the people and the deal is in the bag.
It's in the bag literally
One of the famous expressions in society is the interesting expression “it’s in the bag.” But how did this stable phraseological unit appear, and what events were associated with hats, and not with hats or caps? And what versions of the origin of this expression can be considered plausible?
Versions of the origin of the phraseological unit “it’s all in the bag”
The most common and plausible version today is the version about messengers. The meaning of this version is that earlier messengers - postmen sewed important and valuable letters and denunciations or other important papers under the lining of their headdress (hat, cap).
The second version is that since ancient times all controversial cases were resolved through drawing lots. And for this they used a hat, in which pieces of something were placed, definitely indicating each subject of dispute. That's why they said that the whole matter would be decided through a hat.
Third version of origin expressions it's in the bag lies in the fact that certain officials took bribes, which in turn were placed under a hat or other headdress. But this version looks implausible.
Nowadays, you can also clearly see why people pronounce this expression in the literal sense. The fact is that, for example, during exercises or classes, the military stuffed “cheat sheets” into the lining of their caps. If these cheat sheets had difficult-to-remember content (for example, call signs or radio frequency). And when a difficult situation arose, the serviceman would reach out and take a peek (the matter was resolved). But this is not the only thing that can be seen in military personnel. Most older people still put notes in their hats.
It's in the bag
It's in the bag- an idiomatic expression meaning: everything will be fine, the job is almost done, the job is successful, the event can be done in our favor.
The expression uses the word “hat”, which has nothing to do with office work, being a headdress. This word came into the Russian language no earlier than during the reign of Boris Godunov (late 16th century) and was applied only to foreign headdresses. According to its purpose, the hat, in addition to the headdress, also has other functions, in particular, it was used when collecting alms and during the drawing of lots.
Etymology
There are several versions of the origin of the expression.
- The officials who handled the cases took bribes into their hats. Bribery is the oldest and well-proven method of resolving issues in authorities: since an official took a bribe, it means that the case will be resolved in favor of the one who gave the bribe. An example of this version is the poem by A.K. Tolstoy “People were gathering at the order gates...” (1857):
The plaintiff came to the clerk and said: “You are the father
Poor;
If only you could help me - you see a bag of money
Copper, -
I would pour ten rubles into your hat, by the way,
Joke!"
“A rash now,” said the clerk, holding up his cap. -
Come on!”
Notes
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
Synonyms:See what “It’s in the bag” in other dictionaries:
See the end... Dictionary of Russian synonyms and similar expressions. under. ed. N. Abramova, M.: Russian Dictionaries, 1999. It’s in the bag, it’s over, ready, end Dictionary of Russian synonyms ... Dictionary of synonyms
HAT, s. Dictionary Ozhegova. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary
- (from the drawing of lots, the signs of which in the old days, as now, were placed in a hat). See START END... V.I. Dahl. Proverbs of the Russian people
- (foreigner) end of the matter Chopped off and in the hat. Wed. It always seemed to me that our fatherland needs not so much abundance as efficient police officers. In most cases, I am firmly convinced of this with just one well-executed shout, and... ... Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary
It's in the bag- Razg. Express Everything is in perfect order; everything ended very well. Everyone was convinced that starting a new economic system was a mere trifle: just buy cars, hire Germans, etc., and it’s in the bag (S. Terpigorev. Impoverishment) ... Phrasebook Russian literary language
it's in the bag- simple. , often joking. it's over, decided, settled, everything is in order, everything ended well. 1. The phrase goes back to the ancient custom of resolving all sorts of controversial matters by drawing lots: coins, pieces of lead or other small objects were thrown into a hat, from which... ... Phraseology Guide
The trick is in the bag (in other words) the end of the matter. He chopped it off and into his hat. Wed. It has always seemed to me that our fatherland needs not so much abundance as efficient police officers. In most cases, I am firmly convinced of this, just one thing is good... ... Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)
Razg. Who has L. it's okay, huh? ended successfully; what l. about settled, agreed upon. DP, 497; FSRY, 132; BTS, 1501; Yanin 2003, 95; SHZF 2001, 63; BMS 1998, 148 ... Big dictionary Russian sayings
it's in the bag- colloquial About the successful completion of something... Dictionary of many expressions
BUSINESS, affairs, plural. deeds, deeds (delov wrong), deeds, cf. 1. Work, occupation, what someone is doing. This is an impossible task. It takes just a minute to explore this town. State affairs. Sitting idle. “Who serves the cause, not individuals.” Griboyedov... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary
Books
- It's in the bag, Natalya Petrovna Konchalovskaya. In this unusual book, Natalya Konchalovskaya and Boris Diodorov are not only the authors, but also the main characters. They are conducting a real historical investigation - how hats appeared, how they...
This is what they say about the successful completion of something.
Probably the expression goes back to the ancient custom of resolving controversial cases by drawing lots. Pieces of paper were placed in the hat, one of which was marked with a win (lot). Whoever is lucky enough to draw lots wins.
A researcher of the Russian language (1831-1901) in the book "", 1899 writes ():
"Some are thinking of producing it in the form of a translated word with French, although, according to many signs, this expression can be considered indigenous or, if borrowed, then in very distant times. Casting lots to determine queues, a technique known to biblical Jews, was also practiced in Rus'. A hat made of sheep's wool has also been a Russian folk headdress since ancient times, and we see a Belarusian cap-magerka on Scythian sculptures. All sorts of lots in the form of conventional signs are thrown into these hats throughout the diverse stretch of Russian land - whether they be stone coins, or bitten and chipped coins, or pieces of lead with a mark for good luck - during disputes and hires. “The draw of lots is God’s judgment” (says the proverb); “To cast lots, don’t blame yourself in advance.” Whose mark is taken out will be the end of all disputes; his right to receive an order before his rivals for buying and selling, for supplying horses for dispersal, etc. is undeniable, and the thing in the hat was only waiting for a turn: put it on your head - now your business will not jump out of it.”
Examples
"and in the end my job would be in the bag."
“The other day Kondrashkin-daddy himself met me and said that your it's all in the bag that as soon as you move from the dacha to the city, then right away there’s a wedding..."
"Love Rejected" (1883):
“His song will ignite the unapproachable heart, the window will yield to the pressure of a small hand, obedient to the heart, and - it's in the bag with wide brims!
“Then, however, the wife came, crying that her husband was drunk and therefore took it cheaply; but sometimes you added one kopeck, and it's in the bag."
Internet marketer, editor of the site "In an accessible language"
Publication date:10/16/2018
Who hasn’t experienced a feeling of joy that a business that has been started is progressing and is coming to a successful conclusion? Under such circumstances, out of emotion, I just want to say "It's in the bag"! But why do people remember the headdress at such moments? What versions of origin famous expression exist, and in what cases is this usage appropriate? Let's try to figure this out.
The meaning of phraseology
The phrase “it’s in the bag” means that the job is done or is nearing its successful completion.
IN modern speech stable circulation is used in conversations between adults and children, because thanks to it you can quickly and simply characterize the current situation. For example, a student says: “I passed almost all the exams, there is only one test left, but I have an “automatic” in it, so that’s it, “it’s all in the bag”, the session is over!”
Or another illustrative case - concluding a deal between business partners: “The negotiations were successful, all that remains is to put your signatures and the deal is in the bag.”
In both cases, they remember the headdress when they talk about a business in which everything is going smoothly, “like clockwork,” and success is just around the corner.
History of phraseology
It is impossible to say exactly where the expression came from, and which version of its origin sounds most convincing, but it can be noted that they are all based on a hat. There are several versions of why things are “put” in the hat:
1. Bribe in a hat.
In Rus', bribery existed before, only it was called “bribery.” It was customary to put a bribe (bribe) in an official’s hat.
Usually, the bribe-taker, by handing over a bribe, expects a quick and successful resolution of an issue that is important to him.
It is likely that the phrase “it’s in the bag” usually sounded from the mouths of bribe takers, who thus declared to their associates that an issue important to them would soon be resolved.
2. Letter from a messenger.
In ancient times, mail, as such, did not exist, but important documents and letters had to be delivered. Therefore, there were messengers who delivered letters. At the same time, they put the most important messages under their hats so as not to lose them.
When the messengers picked up the documents for shipment, they informed the sender “the deal is in the bag,” which meant “the job will be done, I will deliver your message to the addressee on time.” Over time, the phraseological unit began to be used in other situations.
3. Court case.
During the time of Ivan the Terrible, decisions in some court cases were made by lot, which had to be drawn from the judge’s hat. When the decisions were already in the bag, the participants in the trial understood that the verdict would be made very soon.
It is worth noting that linguists do not consider this version plausible, since during the reign of Ivan the Terrible the word “hat” did not yet exist in the Russian language.
4. Jewish custom.
There is an opinion that by drawing lots the Jews decided who received the right to do something, be it selling a product, receiving an order, or buying something. The hat, in its own way, played the role of materialized hope (everyone believed that he would be lucky), therefore, something else followed stable expression“slip” - miss or lose an opportunity.
As you can see, all the options are ambiguous in their presentation and origin, but deserve attention, and until experts come to a consensus, everyone can stick to the version they like.