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]

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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 • May 12, 2023

Which is why it will always irk a novelist to be told that his characters are not nice or easy to identify with, when as like as not they are not meant to be.

From The Guardian • Oct. 8, 2010

Now, replace the knocked-out gene with the human version — and like as not, you will have restored the yeast to its former frothy self.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2010

A generation or two ago, said he, the successful executive, like as not, was a roaring, highhanded type who grabbed what he wanted and didn't worry about shoving other people around in the process.

From Time Magazine Archive

Auntie Aggie used to say I was like as not to poke Satan with a stick just for fun.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

• presumably