PhrasesHub

Dollars to doughnuts

    Definitions

      • high probability or certainty
        Indicates that something is very likely to occur or be true, with the speaker expressing confidence in their prediction or assumption.

      • unequal exchange or comparison
        Suggests that something is of lesser value or worth compared to something else, often used when offering a bet or wager.

    Examples of Dollars to doughnuts

    • Dollars to doughnuts, she'll ace the quiz.

      The speaker is confident that the person referred to in "she" will successfully complete the exam, as confident as if bets were being placed on it with dollars as the stakes, and doughnuts as the payoff.

    • Dollars to doughnuts, it'll rain tomorrow.

      The speaker is quite certain that it will rain the following day, so confident that it's as good as betting with dollars as the stake, and doughnuts as the prize.

    • Dollars to doughnuts, I'll never learn to cook.

      The speaker is convinced that they will never become accomplished in cooking, as certain as if wagering dollars as the stake, and doughnuts as the reward.

    • Dollars to doughnuts, he's not coming home tonight.

      The speaker is convinced that the person referred to as "he" will not return home for the evening, as confident as if placing a bet with dollars as the ante, and doughnuts as the payoff.

    • Dollars to doughnuts, she'll win the tennis tournament.

      This idiom means that it is highly likely or almost certain that something will happen. In this example, the speaker is predicting with great confidence that the person referred to as 'she' will win the tennis tournament.

    • Doughnuts to dollars, I'd sell my soul for a million bucks.

      This idiom is the opposite of the first one and implies that something is highly unlikely or improbable. In this example, the speaker is jokingly saying that they would be willing to give up anything, including their soul, for a large sum of money.

    • Dollars to doughnuts, he's been sleeping with her the whole time.

      This idiom is used in a more suspicious or speculative context and suggests that the speaker has strong suspicions or evidence to support their belief that something is true. In this example, the speaker is implying that they believe the person they are referring to as 'he' has been romantically involved with the person referred to as 'her' for some time.

    • Doughnuts to dollars, I can't believe I left my phone at home.

      This idiom emphasizes the extent to which something is unexpected or surprising. In this example, the speaker is expressing their disbelief that they forgot their phone, which they consider an unlikely or surprising occurrence.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "dollars to doughnuts" is used in two main ways. The first meaning expresses a high level of certainty or probability in a statement or prediction. The speaker is confident that their statement will come true or their prediction will be accurate. The second meaning highlights an unequal exchange or comparison, with the speaker implying that something is of lesser value or worth compared to something else.

    In both cases, the idiom is used to emphasize the speaker's conviction or belief. It adds a colorful and playful tone to the statement, making it more memorable and impactful.

    Origin of "Dollars to doughnuts"

    The origin of the idiom "dollars to doughnuts" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in America in the late 19th century. At that time, dollars were a commonly used currency, while doughnuts were a popular treat. The phrase was likely used to highlight the contrast between something of high value (dollars) and something of lesser value (doughnuts).

    Some sources also suggest that the idiom may have originated in gambling, where dollars were often used as bets or wagers. The phrase may have been used to indicate that the odds were heavily in one person's favor, with the comparison between dollars and doughnuts emphasizing the imbalance in the bet.

    Overall, the idiom "dollars to doughnuts" has evolved over time to convey a sense of certainty or unequal exchange. Its origins may be unclear, but its usage remains popular in modern English.