fix was in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fix was in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to suggest that something has been predetermined or rigged, often in a negative context, such as in gambling or politics. Example: "Many believed that the fix was in when the referee made questionable calls during the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The fix was in.

The Washington Post

Yes, the fix was in.

The New Yorker

But this time, the fix was in.

The New York Times

The fix was in from the start.

The New York Times

In short, the fix was in.

The New York Times

But that doesn't mean the fix was in.

The New Yorker

A double fix was in, and it was beautiful.

The New York Times

"Oh, the fix was in, wasn't it?" Anderson says, slyly.

The Guardian - Film

The fix was in, and happy habeas days were here again.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We all knew the fix was in--we all saw it in living color, primary night after primary night, on our wide screen TVs.

HuffPost

You think a fix is in?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fix was in", ensure the context clearly indicates that an outcome was predetermined or manipulated, often unfairly.

Common error

Avoid using "fix was in" in situations where an outcome is simply expected or likely, but not actively manipulated. The phrase implies intentional rigging, not just predictability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fix was in" functions as an idiomatic expression. It conveys a pre-arranged outcome or manipulation, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Sports

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "fix was in" is a common way to express that an outcome has been predetermined or manipulated, frequently in a negative context like politics, sports, or business. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's best used when you want to express suspicion or certainty about a rigged result. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "the outcome was predetermined" or "the process was manipulated". Ensure your context clearly suggests manipulation, as misusing the phrase can dilute its impact. Remember that the idiom often, but not always, implies an unethical context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the game was rigged

Replaces "fix" with "game" and uses "rigged" to emphasize the manipulation.

the election was fixed

Applies the concept of predetermination specifically to an election context.

the result was fixed

Directly states that the result was not organic or naturally occurring.

the process was manipulated

Emphasizes the act of influencing the process to achieve a desired outcome.

the outcome was predetermined

Replaces the idiom with a more straightforward description of the situation.

the decision was already made

Focuses on the finality and pre-existing nature of the decision.

it was a setup

Emphasizes the deceptive nature of the predetermination.

it was all arranged beforehand

Highlights the planning and pre-arrangement of the outcome.

the deck was stacked

Uses a metaphor to describe the unfair advantage given to one side.

the die was cast

Uses a metaphor to indicate an irreversible predetermination.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "the fix was in"?

Saying "the fix was in" implies that an outcome was predetermined or manipulated, often secretly and unfairly. It suggests that the result was not achieved through legitimate means.

How can I use "fix was in" in a sentence?

You can use "fix was in" to express suspicion or certainty that an event's outcome was rigged. For example: "Many believed the "game was rigged" because of the referee's biased calls, suggesting the "fix was in"."

What are some alternatives to "the fix was in"?

Alternatives include phrases like "the game was rigged", "the outcome was predetermined", or "it was a setup", each emphasizing the manipulation or pre-arrangement of an event.

Is it appropriate to use "the fix was in" in formal writing?

While "fix was in" is widely understood, it's an informal idiom. In formal writing, consider using more direct and neutral language like "the outcome was predetermined" or "the process was manipulated" to maintain a professional tone.