bound to, be
Idioms-
Be certain or destined to; also, be determined or resolved to. For example, We are bound to hear from them soon, or No matter what they say, she is bound to run for mayor. This usage is derived from the older sense of bound as “obliged.” [Mid-1500s]
-
see bound to.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There is bound to be speculation about the increase in the Alphabet stake and whether that move was initiated by Abel given the large size of the change.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
There are bound to be at least a few mixed feelings when a tax refund is larger than expected.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
But no matter which numbers are used, there’s bound to be debate, experts said.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 10, 2026
The request for the increase is bound to be controversial given accusations over how the plan has handled smoke damage claims stemming from the Jan. 7 blazes and other fires dating back to last decade.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2025
And the girl is bound to be let down.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
