PhrasesHub

Bet your bottom dollar

    Definitions

      • show confidence or certainty
        Expressing absolute certainty or confidence in something, often with an underlying tone of defiance or challenge

      • trust or rely on someone or something
        To put complete trust or confidence in someone or something, often in a situation where the outcome is uncertain

    Examples of Bet your bottom dollar

    • If you bet your bottom dollar on it, that movie will win the Oscar for Best Picture this year.

      This idiom is used when one is extremely confident about the outcome of an event. Here, it means the writer or speaker is very convinced that the chosen movie will win the Best Picture Award.

    • I bet my bottom dollar that she will come to my party tonight.

      This idiom is used when one is confident that a particular event or situation will occur. In this case, the speaker believes with utmost confidence that the person in question will attend the party in question.

    • Better bet your bottom dollar that he will not show up for the meeting!

      This idiom is used when someone is absolutely sure that the opposite of what is being said will happen. In this case, the speaker is convinced that the person in question will not attend the meeting.

    • If you bet your bottom dollar on it, that athlete will break the world record this year.

      This idiom is used when one is confident that a particular event will occur. Here, the speaker is convinced that the athlete in question will break the world record in the given year.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bet your bottom dollar" is typically used to convey a strong sense of certainty or trust in something. It can also be used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity, cautioning that it will not result in a positive outcome.

    This idiom is often used in a confident or defiant manner, demonstrating a strong belief in something despite any doubts or challenges. It can also be used in a more practical sense, as a way to express complete trust or reliance on someone or something in an uncertain situation.

    Origin of "Bet your bottom dollar"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to gambling, specifically in the game of poker. In the early 19th century, "betting your bottom dollar" referred to placing a bet with one's last remaining dollar, showing a strong belief in the outcome of the game.

    Over time, the phrase evolved to have a broader meaning, encompassing a strong sense of confidence or trust in any situation. It is now commonly used in everyday conversations, often in a lighthearted or playful manner.

    Examples of this idiom being used in literature can be found as early as the mid-19th century, further solidifying its place in the English language. Its origins in gambling give it a hint of risk and excitement, making it a colorful and memorable idiom.