Be in for something means something is coming your way. Usually it's a warning: With half the staff away, we're in for a busy afternoon. But it can be good: If you haven't heard this singer before, you're in for a treat. The short be in for it means 'you're in trouble now': When the manager saw the window, he knew he was in for it.
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be in for + experience / be in for it
- With half the staff away, we're in for a busy afternoon.
- If you haven't heard this singer before, you're in for a treat.
- He knew he was in for it when the manager saw the broken window.
What changed
First versionWe are in for wait a long time at this crowded terminal.
RevisionWe are in for a long wait at this crowded terminal.
We have to wait a long time is correct, so a verb phrase seems to fit after in for too: in for wait a long time. But in for takes a noun: a long wait. With the verb turned into a noun, the warning is correct.
About to means 'very soon': We're about to leave. In for is about what you're going to go through: We're in for a long trip. Up for is about wanting: Are you up for a long trip? You can be in for a long meeting and not be up for it at all.
Your turn
A difficult day lies ahead: We ___ in for a rough morning.
Show the answer
are — The pattern is built with be: we are in for. Have isn't used with in for.
The forecast promises heavy rain this weekend. Warn your friends in one sentence with in for.
Pack your raincoats — we're in for a very wet weekend.
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