What does “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” mean?
"I Wouldn't Put It Past (Someone)" means to believe that someone is capable of doing something, especially something negative or dishonest.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After all the lies he's told, I wouldn't put it past him to cheat on the test.
Example
Given her history of stealing, I wouldn't put it past her to take money from the company.
Example
Considering his track record, I wouldn't put it past him to sabotage the project
Is “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” 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 “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” effectively in context?
You can use "I Wouldn't Put It Past (Someone)" to express your belief that someone is capable of doing something, especially something negative or dishonest. It implies that you wouldn't be surprised if the person in question actually did the action. For example, if a friend has a history of being unreliable, you might say, 'Given his track record, I wouldn't put it past him to bail on our plans.'
- 1Trustworthiness
After all the lies he's told, I wouldn't put it past him to cheat on the test.
- 2Integrity
Given her history of stealing, I wouldn't put it past her to take money from the company.
- 3Reliability
Considering his track record, I wouldn't put it past him to sabotage the project.
Similar phrases to “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)”:
Question someone's motives
To doubt or suspect someone's underlying reasons or intentions
Example
I can't help but question her motives for helping us.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” come from?
The origin of the phrase "I Wouldn't Put It Past (Someone)" is unknown.
Is “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "I Wouldn't Put It Past (Someone)" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their skepticism or lack of trust in someone's actions or intentions.
What tone does “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” have?
"I Wouldn't Put It Past (Someone)" conveys a tone of suspicion and doubt. It suggests that you have reason to believe that someone is capable of doing something negative or dishonest.
Can “I Wouldn’t Put It Past (Someone)” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "I Wouldn't Put It Past (Someone)" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of doubting someone's actions or intentions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After all the lies he's told, I wouldn't put it past him to cheat on the test.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I wouldn't put it past him!' to imply skepticism about someone's behavior.
