bet

An amount of money or something valuable that you risk on a particular result.

• My bet was five pounds.
• She lost her entire bet.
• They placed large bets on the winning horse.

How to use it: bet of an amount (He placed a bet of ten pounds.); bet on something (She put a small bet on the final race.)

Similar words: stake, wager

Common phrases: place a bet, a small bet, bet of something

An agreement to pay money if your guess about a result is wrong.

• We made a bet.
• He won a bet about the election result.
• I owe her dinner because I lost our bet.

How to use it: bet that… (We made a bet that our team would win.); bet with someone (I made a bet with my brother.)

Similar words: wager

Common phrases: make a bet, win a bet, lose a bet

A choice or action that is likely to help you get the result you want.

• The bus is your best bet.
• For cheap meals, that cafe is a good bet.
• An early train might be a better bet.

How to use it: someone's best bet (Your best bet is to ask at reception.)

Similar words: option, choice

Common phrases: best bet, a good bet, a better bet

Something you can be fairly sure is true or will happen.

• Rain tomorrow is a safe bet.
• It's a fair bet that she already knows.
• His return next season seemed a sure bet.

How to use it: a safe bet that… (It's a safe bet that the roads will be busy.)

Similar words: certainty, sure thing

Common phrases: a safe bet, a sure bet, a fair bet

If you say this, you feel very sure that something is true or will happen.

• I bet you're hungry.
• We bet he forgot the meeting.
• I'll bet they've already sold the house.

How to use it: bet (that)… (I bet that she's still asleep.)

Similar words: reckon, be sure

Opposites: doubt

Common phrases: I bet, bet that something, bet you anything

To risk money on a result, hoping to win more if your guess is right.

• She bet on the race.
• I bet ten dollars and lost.
• Would you bet money on that team?

How to use it: bet an amount on something (He bet ten euros on the race.); bet someone an amount that… (I bet Sam five pounds that it would snow.)

Similar words: wager, gamble

Common phrases: bet on something, bet ten pounds, bet against someone, bet a pound

You say 'you bet' to agree strongly or say that you will gladly do something.

• 'Are you coming?' 'You bet!'
• 'Did you enjoy it?' 'You bet I did!'
• 'Can you help tomorrow?' 'You bet we can!'

How to use it: You bet! ('Will you help us?' 'You bet!')

Similar words: agree, say yes

Common phrases: you bet, you bet I, you bet we

To feel sure about something or trust that it will happen.

• You can bet he'll complain.
• Don't bet on getting an answer today.
• I wouldn't bet on her staying quiet.

How to use it: bet on someone/something (You can bet on her keeping her promise.); bet (that)… (You can bet that he'll arrive early.)

Similar words: count on, rely on, be sure

Opposites: doubt

Common phrases: bet on something, bet on someone, you can bet