Definition of "shoo-in" [shoo-in]

• Informal A sure winner. (noun)
• Informal One that has a sure chance of being chosen, as for a job or other position. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The racetrack term shoo-in, meaning “certain winner,” is rooted in a fraudulent practice of corrupt jockeys: They agree to bet on one long shot, holding back their own mounts, and chase in or shoo in the horse they picked to win."
• "The former congressman is a shoo-in for Senate approval, but Washington insiders expect the hearing may offer new clues about plans to rein in federal spending."
• "First this week the movie failed to win a nomination for an Academy Award in the documentary feature category, even though it was considered to be a shoo-in."