like as not

Idioms  

1. Also, as like as not; as likely as not. In all probability, with an even chance, as in Like as not it'll rain by afternoon, or Likely as not the governor will run for a second term. In the first two terms, like is short for likely in the sense of “probably,” that is, “It is as likely as it is not likely.” [Late 1800s]

---

Example Sentences

Every one of these 15 stories is narrated by a man in his 40s, like as not striving for patience with a clinically depressed wife or girlfriend.

From New York Times

“Like as not,” Riggs says, the remaining works were “crushed in a landfill.”

From Washington Post

“I told you nine years ago you were becalmed, didn’t I? And you are. Your indenture’s almost over—but what can you do? Keep on working in a chandlery, like as not.”

From Literature

Like as not, all else her folks would have was fried fatback, cream gravy, and corn pone.

From Literature

And like as not, when they sent the bank statement out, she would want to know why I never deposited my salary until the sixth.

From Literature

Related Words

• presumably