Idiom
bet your bottom dollar
Meanings
To be completely certain that something is true or will happen.
Definition
Used to say you are completely certain that something will happen or be true.
“Bet your bottom dollar” is an idiom that means you are very sure about something. It emphasizes strong confidence, as if you would risk your last bit of money on it. People often use it to make a firm prediction based on experience or clear evidence.
Examples
- I’d bet my bottom dollar the meeting will run over, given how packed the agenda is.
- You can bet your bottom dollar she’ll notice the smallest inconsistency in the report.
- He’d bet his bottom dollar the train will be delayed during rush hour.
- They’d bet their bottom dollar that the new café will be busy once word gets around.
Common mistake
Learners often use it for small guesses; it’s best for strong certainty, not a weak possibility.
More at C1 level
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More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.