In like Flynn

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Meaning

Certain to succeed, gain entry, or be favourably placed. Dated but familiar Regional use: United States, especially West Coast and wartime service slang.

Origin

An Americanism from the early 1940s, apparently first current around San Francisco. Early forms such as your name is Flynn, you're in support a rhyming-slang formation, though that route is not fully proven. Actor Errol Flynn later became firmly associated with the saying and helped its popularity, but examples precede his 1943 trial, so that event cannot have created it.

Variants

  • your name is Flynn, you're in
  • I'm Flynn
  • in like Flint

Usage Examples

  • Once the chair endorsed our proposal, we were in like Flynn.
  • Show that press badge at the side entrance and you're in like Flynn.

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