Is there an opportunity that has arisen that you think someone should take? Perhaps there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you don’t want to pass you by. One phrase that will work well in these situations is “in like Flynn”. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase in like Flynn means to take advantage of something good that has come along. It can also be used to explain someone that has become successful at a task, or in life in general. In many instances, the phrase specifically means to be a part of the in-crowd, or to get in with a certain group.
One of the original meanings of the phrase in like Flynn was actually having great success sexually, and it is still used in the same way today. The phrase can also mean to be accepted by a set of people without question. Having a sure thing is also another meaning for the phrase.
Example Usage
“There are only so many spots left in this class, if you want to finish out this school year, you need to be in like Flynn and get on it”.
“When the girls heard that Sephora was offering free full-size samples, they were in like Flynn to get theirs too”.
“I gave an amazing interview, I’m sure that I’m in like Flynn for the job”.
“Once you get used to the hours and the routine, you will be in like Flynn my friend”.
Origin
The phrase “in like Flynn” was coined due to a real person. There is some contention about which “Flynn” triggered the creation of the idiom, which we will cover now. The most common belief is that the phrase was coined on behalf of Errol Flynn, who was an Australian actor. He was most known for taking on the roles of a playboy or a swashbuckler in Hollywood films. In real life, he was known to have many sexual partners and also to drink heavily. He was known for being well-loved and widely accepted, namely without doing anything to earn such acceptance.
The other claim to the phrase is thought that the idiom was created due to the infamous Edward J. “Boss” Flynn. He was a Democratic activist in the 1940s and was most known as Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s campaign manager. He was able to help secure elections with seemingly little to no effort. Most people who hired him as a manager were considered to be “in like Flynn”.
A third, but less common source of the phrase is from a 1967 spoof movie. James Coburn used the expression saying “In Like Flint” as opposed to “in like Flynn”.
Phrases Similar to In Like Flynn
- Sealed the deal
- A sure thing
- Clenched it
- In there like swimwear
Phrases Opposite to In Like Flynn
- Out like stout
- Unlikely
- Unpopular
- Not a chance in hell
- When hell freezes over
What is the Correct Saying?
The proper way to say the phrase is - in like Flynn.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say In Like Flynn
Some ways that in like Flynn is used incorrectly are:
- He made the groups laugh, so he is in like Flint for the next batch.
- There is no way you are in like Flynn, after all, you are part of the team.
- Trying to get in like Flynn is not going to be effective, he has much more charisma than I do.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase In Like Flynn
Some ways that in like Flynn is used correctly are:
- When I asked him about getting into Harvard, he just grinned and said “in like Flynn”, and I knew he was accepted.
- Do you think that I will make it to band camp? John said I’m in like Flynn, but I’m not so sure.
- Tell George not to worry about making friends at school, he is in like Flynn with our crowd.