Phrasal verb
be in for
Meanings
to be likely to experience something soon (often something unpleasant or difficult)
to be likely to have a particular outcome or reaction happen to you because of what you did
Definition
“Be in for” means to be likely to experience something, often something unpleasant or difficult.
Use “be in for” to say that someone is going to have a particular experience soon. It is often used for warnings or predictions, especially about trouble, hard work, or bad weather. It can also be used for something positive, like a surprise, but that is less common. The phrase is usually followed by a noun phrase.
Examples
- If you forget the deadline again, you’ll be in for a long meeting with your manager.
- I think we’re in for heavy traffic because of the concert tonight.
- He’s in for a surprise when he opens his birthday gift.
- They’re in for a tough hike since the trail is steeper than it looks.
Common mistake
Learners often omit the preposition and say “be in” instead of “be in for” when predicting an experience (e.g., “We’re in heavy traffic”).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.