in the post: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in the post’ mean?
The idiom "in the post" means that something is certain or guaranteed to happen, often in a sporting context. It refers to the notion that a ball that has been hit is already on its way towards the intended target.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leave the ball in someone's court" means to give someone the responsibility or opportunity to take action or make a decision in a situation, often after one's own efforts or turn has been completed.
The idiom "in the wind" means to feel or sense that something is about to happen or change, often referring to a situation that is not yet fully known or understood.
The idiom "in the right place at the right time" means being present at the perfect moment or location to take advantage of an opportunity or a fortunate event.
The idiom "in the offing" means something is likely to happen or is about to occur, especially in the near future.
The idiom "in the offing" is a commonly used expression in the English language. Native speakers understand its specific meaning, which is expected or likely to happen in the near future.
The idiom "in the money" means to be in a financially successful or prosperous situation.
The idiom "in the lead" means to be in a leading or winning position, often in a competition or race.
The idiom "in the hopper" is a colloquial expression that means something is in progress or being worked on, typically in reference to a task or project.
The idiom "in the game" means actively participating or being involved in a particular activity or situation.
The idiom "in the game" has a clear and straightforward meaning. It indicates that someone is actively involved or participating in a particular situation or activity. It implies being fully committed and ready to contribute.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
The idiom "in the cards" has several known facts associated with it. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of fortune-telling using playing cards. In this context, "cards" refer to the deck of playing cards commonly used in various types of card games and divination practices.
The idiom "in the can" means something that is completed or finished.
The idiom "in the can" has various meanings. One common meaning is when something is completed or finished. For example, when a movie or TV show is "in the can," it means that filming has wrapped up and it is ready for post-production. This usage originated in the early days of filmmaking when the film reels were literally stored in cans.
Mysterious Origins
The phrase *in the post* is a common idiomatic expression used in English language. It has several meanings and can be used in different contexts. The idiom *in the post* originated from the traditional practice of sending messages or letters through the mail.
One meaning of the idiom *in the post* is that something is already sent and on its way to its destination. This can refer to physical mail or electronic mail. In this sense, the idiom indicates that a document, package, or message has been sent and is being delivered. It is often used in business and personal contexts to indicate that an item has been dispatched and is en route.
Another meaning of *in the post* is that something is certain or guaranteed to happen. In sports or competition-related contexts, when a team or individual has a significant advantage over their opponents and is likely to win, it is said that the victory is *in the post*. This expression implies inevitability and confidence in the expected outcome. Just like the victory with a shot towards the *far post* is expected.
The idiom *in the post* can also suggest that something is old-fashioned or no longer relevant. It refers to the traditional method of sending physical mail through the postal system. It indicates that the subject being discussed or the method being employed is not modern or up-to-date. Similar to the phrase *in the cards* which means something is likely to happen or is expected, just like the traditional method of sending mail, this too is from an older time. Furthermore, *in the post* can be metaphorical, referring to the arrival or occurrence of a specific event or consequence. This usage indicates that something is imminent or about to happen. It often expresses a sense of anticipation or excitement, particularly in social or cultural contexts. Similar to the phrase *in the offing* which means something is about to happen or is expected, this too refers to the arrival of an event or consequence.
The idiom *in the post*, with its various meanings, is a versatile expression. It can refer to something being sent in the mail, indicate certainty, suggest obsolescence or irrelevance, or express anticipation of an upcoming event or consequence. The idiom's origins lie in the practice of sending messages or letters through the mail. While its specific usage and connotations may vary depending on context, the idiom remains a commonly used phrase in modern English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "in the post" can be used in a sentence:
- She used to be a lawyer, but now she's found her true passion and is pursuing a career in the post of a chef.
- The company received numerous applications for the job, but they narrowed it down to three top candidates in the post.
- After years of hard work and dedication, he finally achieved his goal and now he's in the post as the CEO of the company.
The idiom "in the post" is used to indicate being in a particular position or role. It can refer to holding a specific job or being appointed to a certain position of authority. The idiom suggests that the person mentioned has officially taken up the position or role and is actively fulfilling the responsibilities associated with it.
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