in the hopper: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in the hopper’ mean?
The idiom "in the hopper" is a colloquial expression that means something is in progress or being worked on, typically in reference to a task or project.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the way" means that something is currently in progress or about to happen. It suggests that something is not yet completed or arrived, but is in the process of getting there.
The idiom "jump the gun" means to do or say something prematurely or before the appropriate time.
Jump the gun is an idiom that means to act prematurely or take action before the appropriate time. The phrase originated in the United States during the early 20th century and is commonly used in everyday language. It can be used in both informal and formal contexts, in spoken and written communication.
The idiom "in the making" means that something is currently being developed or created, and has the potential to become significant or influential in the future.
The idiom "in the fast lane" means to be living or working at a fast pace, often associated with a busy or exciting lifestyle full of activity and success.
In the fast lane is an idiomatic phrase that originates from the world of driving. Its meaning has been extended to describe the pace and intensity of life or specific activities. The idiom suggests a sense of speed, urgency, and high activity.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
The idiom "in the cards" has several known facts associated with it. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of fortune-telling using playing cards. In this context, "cards" refer to the deck of playing cards commonly used in various types of card games and divination practices.
The idiom "in the can" means something that is completed or finished.
The idiom "in the can" has various meanings. One common meaning is when something is completed or finished. For example, when a movie or TV show is "in the can," it means that filming has wrapped up and it is ready for post-production. This usage originated in the early days of filmmaking when the film reels were literally stored in cans.
The idiom "in one's hip pocket" means to have someone under complete control or influence. It suggests that the person is easily manipulated or controlled, like an object kept in one's back pocket.
The idiom "in one go" means doing something all at once or in a single attempt, without pausing or stopping. It suggests efficiency and not wasting time.
An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning. One such idiom is "in one go."
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "hurry up and wait" means to rush or be quick to do something, only to have to wait for a long time for the desired outcome or result. It reflects the frustrating and often futile nature of constantly being in a state of urgency followed by a period of inactivity.
The Enigmatic Phrasecript
The idiom "in the hopper" is a commonly used phrase in American English with a specific meaning. In its current usage, "in the hopper" refers to something that is being planned or considered, implying that it is in a state of progress or motion. Originally, the term "hopper" referred to a storage bin or container used to hold grain or other bulk materials. In this context, "in the hopper" signified that the material was inside the container, ready to be used or processed. Today, the phrase is commonly used in business, politics, and everyday conversations to describe an idea, plan, or project that is in progress or under consideration.
When something is "in the hopper," it signifies that it is being actively worked on or considered, but it has not yet been finalized or implemented. This idiom is often used to indicate that the subject matter is in a stage of development, much like the grain sitting inside a hopper waiting to be processed or utilized.
One possible explanation for this figurative usage of "in the hopper" stems from the mechanical process of grinding grain. The hopper acts as an essential part of a milling machine, feeding grain into the grinding mechanism. By extension, something that is "in the hopper" can be seen as being fed into a metaphorical machine for further processing or development.
However, the exact origin or specific transition of "in the hopper" into its current meaning is difficult to pinpoint. It is possible that the idiom gained popularity due to its simplicity and conciseness, effectively conveying the concept of something being actively worked on or considered without the need for extensive explanation.
Despite the lack of definitive historical evidence for the exact evolution of "in the hopper," its continued usage and recognition in contemporary American English highlight its significance in conveying the idea of ongoing progress or consideration. Whether in professional contexts or everyday conversations, this idiom allows speakers to succinctly convey the status of a project or idea, leaving room for further exploration and potential outcomes.
The idiom "in the hopper" is related to two other idioms: "on the way" and "in the can". These idioms share a commonality with "in the hopper" in that they all describe the status or progress of something. While "in the hopper" refers to something being actively worked on or considered, "on the way" refers to something that is currently in progress or en route to its destination. Similarly, "in the can" signifies that something has been completed or finished.
When we say that something is "on the way," it means that it is currently in the process of happening or being delivered. This idiom often conveys a sense of anticipation or excitement about something that is about to occur. Just as "in the hopper" suggests ongoing progress or consideration, "on the way" suggests that something is actively in motion and will be arriving or happening soon.
"In the can" is another idiom that is related to "in the hopper." When something is "in the can," it means that it has been completed or finished. This idiom is often used in reference to creative or artistic projects, such as films or music, where the final product has been successfully produced. While "in the hopper" implies that something is still in progress or under consideration, "in the can" indicates that it has reached its final form or state.
The idioms "on the way" and "in the can" provide additional context and depth to the meaning of "in the hopper." Together, these idioms create a spectrum of progress and completion. "In the hopper" represents the early stages of a project or idea, "on the way" signifies ongoing progress, and "in the can" represents the finalization or completion of the project or idea.
Overall, the idiom "in the hopper" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of ongoing progress or consideration. Derived from its literal origins as a storage bin for grain, the idiom has transitioned into a figurative sense that is widely recognized and understood in contemporary American English. Similarly, the related idioms "on the way" and "in the can" provide further insight into the spectrum of progress and completion. Whether in professional or everyday conversations, these idioms enable speakers to communicate the status of a project or idea concisely and effectively.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "in the hopper" can be used in a sentence:
- I have two job applications in the hopper, but I'm still waiting to hear back from any potential employers.
- Our development team has several new product ideas in the hopper that we're excited to work on.
- The legislation is currently in the hopper, awaiting review and consideration by the committee.
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