1 B1 idiomatic informal
To be about to experience something inevitable, usually unpleasant or surprising.
"If the weather forecast is right, we're in for a very cold winter this year."
be in for
B1 informal transitive
To be about to experience something, usually something unpleasant or surprising and unavoidable.
In plain English
When something bad (or surprising) is going to happen to you and you can't avoid it.
What does "be in for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To be about to experience something unexpectedly pleasant (often: 'in for a treat').
"If you've never heard this band live before, you're in for a real treat."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be positioned inside of (awaiting) what is coming.
Actually means
When something bad (or surprising) is going to happen to you and you can't avoid it.
Usage tip
Almost always used to predict an unpleasant experience: 'You're in for a shock', 'We're in for a rough ride'. Can occasionally refer to something positive ('you're in for a treat'). Very common in everyday spoken English.
Words that pair with "be in for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
surprise shock treat rough time trouble disappointment
How to conjugate "be in for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
be in for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
is in for
he/she/it
Past simple
was/were in for
yesterday
Past participle
been in for
have + pp
-ing form
being in for
continuous
Hear "be in for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "be in for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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