bet
1to wager with (something or someone).
to make a wager: Do you want to bet?
a pledge of a forfeit risked on some uncertain outcome; wager: Where do we place our bets?
that which is pledged: a two-dollar bet.
something that is bet on, as a competitor in a sporting event or a number in a lottery: That horse looks like a good bet.
an act or instance of betting: It's a bet, then?
a person, plan of action, etc., considered as being a good alternative; choice: Your best bet is to sell your stocks now.
Idioms about bet
all bets are off. See entry at all bets are off.
you bet!Informal. of course! surely!: You bet I'd like to be there!
Origin of bet
1Other words for bet
Other definitions for bet (2 of 4)
beth.
Other definitions for BET (3 of 4)
Black Entertainment Television: a cable television channel.
Other definitions for bet. (4 of 4)
between.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use bet in a sentence
At its most simplified, the revision allows big players more access to insured deposits while making certain types of bets.
That gross abuse should be among the products of such all-prior-bets-are-off decision making is hardly surprising.
Why Did We Panic After 9/11 and Ignore All We Knew About Responding to Security Threats? | Deborah Pearlstein | December 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe kerfuffle began with a £200 bet, followed by several smaller bets in quick succession.
With the second veto on Friday, however, all bets seemed to be off.
Christie Bows to Iowa’s Pork Kings on Gestation Crates | Olivia Nuzzi | November 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBut if the current Vienna talks fail, then all bets are off.
Godolphin was there, looking after his horses and his bets, and probably went away a richer man than he came.
The History of England from the Accession of James II. | Thomas Babington MacaulaySo, terms and conditions having been arranged, the bets were made, and the money locked in the hotel safe.
Scattergood Baines | Clarence Budington KellandThe stake was usually the contents of the hand though side bets were not unusual.
The Private Life of the Romans | Harold Whetstone JohnstonLuttrell was believed to be risking his life, and bets were freely made as to his probable fate.
The Political History of England - Vol. X. | William HuntBets, of course, were freely offered and taken on the chances.
British Dictionary definitions for bet
/ (bɛt) /
an agreement between two parties that a sum of money or other stake will be paid by the loser to the party who correctly predicts the outcome of an event
the money or stake risked
the predicted result in such an agreement: his bet was that the horse would win
a person, event, etc, considered as likely to succeed or occur: it's a good bet that they will succeed
a course of action (esp in the phrase one's best bet)
informal an opinion; view: my bet is that you've been up to no good
(when intr foll by on or against) to make or place a bet with (a person or persons)
(tr) to stake (money, etc) in a bet
(tr; may take a clause as object) informal to predict (a certain outcome): I bet she fails
you bet informal of course; naturally
Origin of bet
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with bet
In addition to the idioms beginning with bet
- bet one's ass
- bet on the wrong horse
also see:
- back (bet on) the wrong horse
- hedge one's bets
- you bet your ass
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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