What does “All bets are off” mean?
"All bets are off" means that a situation has become unpredictable or uncertain, and any previous agreements or expectations no longer apply.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the scandal, all bets are off for his political career.
Example
Once the storm hits, all bets are off for outdoor activities.
Example
When the stock market crashed, all bets were off for investors
Is “All bets are off” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All bets are off” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All bets are off” effectively in context?
You can use "All bets are off" to indicate that a situation has become unpredictable or uncertain, and any previous agreements or expectations no longer apply. For example, if a team is losing by a large margin in a sports game, you might say, 'With only a few minutes left, all bets are off.'
- 1Sports
After the scandal, all bets are off for his political career.
- 2Weather
Once the storm hits, all bets are off for outdoor activities.
- 3Finance
When the stock market crashed, all bets were off for investors.
Similar phrases to “All bets are off”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All bets are off” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All bets are off" is unknown.
Is “All bets are off” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "All bets are off" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to convey the idea that a situation has become unpredictable or uncertain, and any previous agreements or expectations no longer apply.
What tone does “All bets are off” have?
"All bets are off" conveys a tone of uncertainty and unpredictability. It suggests that the outcome of a situation is no longer guaranteed and that anything can happen.
Can “All bets are off” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "All bets are off" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After the scandal, all bets are off for his political career.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'All bets are off!' to imply that a situation has become unpredictable.
