Be in for something
phrase
To be likely to experience something, usually unpleasant or difficult.
If you think becoming a doctor is easy, you're in for a big surprise.
Often appears as...
- in for a shock
- in for a surprise
phrase
To have entered a competition, or applied for something.
She's in for the singing competition next week.
Often appears as...
- in for the competition
- in for the draw
phrase
To have submitted or presented something for consideration or judgement.
I'm in for the new promotion at work.
Often appears as...
- in for promotion
- in for assessment
phrase
To be likely to experience something, usually unpleasant or difficult.
If you think becoming a doctor is easy, you're in for a big surprise.
Often appears as...
- in for a shock
- in for a surprise
phrase
To have entered a competition, or applied for something.
She's in for the singing competition next week.
Often appears as...
- in for the competition
- in for the draw
phrase
To have submitted or presented something for consideration or judgement.
I'm in for the new promotion at work.
Often appears as...
- in for promotion
- in for assessment
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Anticipation
Used when expecting something unpleasant, it prepares the listener for bad news or tough times.
With the storm approaching, we're in for some wild weather.
Pro Tip 2/3Surprising Outcome
Indicates an unexpected result is about to occur, often as a warning or heads-up.
He thinks it's a shortcut, but he's in for a long walk.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Irony
Sometimes used ironically to suggest that the coming experience might be happily surprising.
You're in for a real treat with her homemade cookies.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Anticipation
Used when expecting something unpleasant, it prepares the listener for bad news or tough times.
With the storm approaching, we're in for some wild weather.
Pro Tip 2/3Surprising Outcome
Indicates an unexpected result is about to occur, often as a warning or heads-up.
He thinks it's a shortcut, but he's in for a long walk.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Irony
Sometimes used ironically to suggest that the coming experience might be happily surprising.
You're in for a real treat with her homemade cookies.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Anticipation
Used when expecting something unpleasant, it prepares the listener for bad news or tough times.
With the storm approaching, we're in for some wild weather.
Pro Tip 2/3Surprising Outcome
Indicates an unexpected result is about to occur, often as a warning or heads-up.
He thinks it's a shortcut, but he's in for a long walk.
Pro Tip 3/3Positive Irony
Sometimes used ironically to suggest that the coming experience might be happily surprising.
You're in for a real treat with her homemade cookies.
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