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

Falling into the trap, the G.I., like as not, would tell his room number.

From Time Magazine Archive

“I would,” said Jon, “but like as not you’d eat him.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• presumably