all bets are off

American  

[awl bets ahr awf, of] / ˈɔl ˈbɛts ˌɑr ˈɔf, ˈɒf /

idiom

1. (used when the outcome of a situation is too uncertain to predict).

   We have to make it to the meeting place by 5:30 or all bets are off.

   The individual ingredients may be safe, but once you mix them up into a brew, all bets are off.

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Etymology

Origin of all bets are off

First recorded in 1830–40, in reference to horse races

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

all bets are off

But all bets are off if you use growth and value funds that track indexes from different providers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

Should a new criminal charge be made after the current investigation, all bets are off.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 21, 2026

And when he loses control, all bets are off.

From Salon ● Apr. 25, 2025

But once a lithium battery overheats or malfunctions, all bets are off; the speed and impact of lithium battery fires make them particularly perilous, especially when people live close together.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 21, 2023

But make fun of my brother, and all bets are off.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya