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Definition of be in for in English:

be in for

phrase

  • 1Have good reason to expect (typically something unpleasant)

    ‘it looks as if we're in for a storm’
    • ‘If he were to visit the shabby military compound, he might be in for an unpleasant surprise.’
    • ‘But the critics who long for Johnson's departure may be in for an unpleasant surprise.’
    • ‘Anyone who buys this album expecting gentle country wailing will be in for the rudest of shocks.’
    • ‘I had no clue what to expect, and I certainly didn't know what I was in for.’
    • ‘These fine visitors, I thought, were in for what I can only describe as a culinary comeuppance.’
    • ‘I had to feel slightly sorry for the die-hard fans among them who didn't know yet what they were in for.’
    • ‘Unless I get this message across, large numbers of you will be in for a shock when your February bill arrives.’
    • ‘However, the two of them were in for quite a startling surprise.’
    • ‘CBI members must have known what they were in for when they elected him.’
    • ‘I shuddered inwardly, knowing what I was in for.’
    due for, in line for, likely to receive
    1. 1.1be in for itHave good reason to expect trouble or retribution.
      ‘Walking up his driveway everything seemed normal, but when he opened the door, he knew he was in for it.’
      • ‘By the time Artie got off the call, Gloria knew she was in for it.’
      • ‘But for us, we generally have one self-defense weapon, and if that doesn't work, we could be in for it.’
      • ‘Denise was in for it now, Carol would spread those rumours again.’
      • ‘I knew I was in for it the moment I saw the look on his face.’
      • ‘Our strength and conditioning coach came on this trip, so we knew we were in for it.’
      • ‘But whatever's wrong you two had better work it out before Adrien finds out or you'll both be in for it.’
      • ‘He looked a little hot around the collar, then his eyes narrowed and the corners of his mouth tilted up in an expression that told her she was in for it.’
      • ‘He would surely be in for it now; running away, then causing no end of trouble.’
      • ‘We knew we were in for it and we had to be ready.’
      in trouble, about to be punished, about to suffer the consequences, about to pay the price, in for a scolding