In Like Flynn
Meaning
To be accepted by the group without question, to have a sure thing.
Example
Don’t worry about being accepted as a member at the country club. If you pay the membership fee you will be in like Flynn.
Origin
In Like Flynn comes from Errol Flynn’s acquittal on statutory rape charges. Wildly popular, Flynn was a phenomenally successful movie star of the 30’s and 40’s. His defining role was in The Adventures of Robin Hood. Other notable roles include: Captain Blood, They Died with Their Boots On and The Sun Also Rises.
Flynn was involved in a sensational trial, in which he was accused of having sex with two underage girls on a boat. When Flynn was found not guilty, the phrase In like Flynn became a part of the popular vocabulary. The phrase suggests that his acquittal was based on his popularity and celebrity. Thus, if you were sure to get some action, you too were going to be in like Flynn.
Alternative: In Like Flint is the title of one of the James Bond parody movies starring James Coburn and is an obvious play on the original expression. The other movie in the series was called Our man Flint. Derek Flint (played by Coburn) was also irresistible to the ladies.
Alternative: It’s much more likely the origin comes from the 1888 poem by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, Casey at the Bat. Flynn, as the poem goes, was hugging third when Casey came to bat. It was a sure thing that he would be in – although the poem ends with Casey striking out. Thanks to Eric Ode.
