It's In The Bag
Scottish Country Dance Instruction
It's In The Bag (R8x32) 3C (4C set) Lewis N Derrick 19871- 4 The 1st couple turn by the right hand and cast off one place on their own sides; the 2nd couple step up on bars 3-4
5- 8 The 1st couple turn by the left hand and cast one place on their own sides, woman up and man down
9-16 The 1st couple dance the full figure of a ladies' chain with their first corners. To begin, the corners cross over giving right hands while the 1st couple dance across the set into their first-corner positions ready to turn their partner's first corner by the left hand; the 1st couple end in centre facing their own sides, 1st woman between the 2nd couple and 1st man between the 3rd couple
17-24 The 1st couple dance the full figure of a men's chain with their second corners. To begin, the corners cross over giving left hands while the 1st couple dance across the set into their partner's second-corner positions ready to turn their own second corners by the right hand; the 1st couple end facing their first corners again
25-30 Giving left shoulder to first corner to begin, the 1st woman with the 2nd couple, likewise the 1st man with the 3rd couple, dances a six-bar reel of three across; the 1st couple end on own sides in second place man facing up woman facing down
31-32 The 1st and 2nd men, likewise the 1st and 3rd women, turn once round by the left hand on sidelines
Repeat having passed a couple
(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Lewis N Derrick 2020)
Dance Information
This reel, It's In The Bag, was devised for Kay Robb.Suggested tune: Good Humour.
Devised January 1987; first published 1988; republished electronically 2020.
Copyright 1987, 1988, 2020 Lewis N. Derrick.
(Dance information reproduced here with the kind permission of the deviser, Lewis N Derrick)
The phrase "It's in the bag" is a well-known idiom used in English to suggest that success is certain or that a desired outcome is already secured.
It is often said when someone is confident that they have achieved their goal or when something is almost guaranteed to happen. The expression conveys a sense of assurance and finality, as if the result is already safely taken care of.
The exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the early 20th century. One possible historical connection relates to a tradition involving a literal bag, such as in sport or politics, where something of value or importance was figuratively or physically placed in a bag to signify that it was under control or settled. Over time, the phrase became more symbolic, shedding any direct reference to a physical bag and instead representing confidence in an outcome.
Today, the expression appears in everyday conversation as well as in media, sport, business, and entertainment. For example, someone might say "the deal's in the bag" when confident a business agreement will be finalised, or a commentator might declare a match is "in the bag" if one side has an overwhelming lead.
The phrase is informal and widely recognised in both British and international English, often used to express optimism or to celebrate success before it is officially confirmed. Despite its casual tone, it carries a clear message: the hard part is done, and only the final steps remain.
It's In The Bag
Philip Hammond Leaving 11 Downing Street With The Famous Red Briefcase Containing The Next Budget Statement
Published in The McGhie Scottish Country Dance Books, Volume 3, Peggy Mcghie's Reel and Other Scottish Country Dances, reproduced here with the kind permission of the deviser, Lewis N Derrick.
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