Idioms

I wouldn't put it past (someone)

I wouldn't put it past (someone)

Based on that person's pattern of behavior, it is not impossible to imagine them engaging in that kind of bad behavior. Do I think Joe stole the money? Honestly, I wouldn't put it past him. He has no conscience. It seems a bit far-fetched that the government is spying on us with our own appliances, but I wouldn't put it past them. He's a very charming guy, but I wouldn't put it past him to stab me in the back if it meant advancing his career.
See also: past, put
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

wouldn't put it past someone

If you say that you wouldn't put it past someone to do something bad, you mean that you would not be surprised if they did it. He wouldn't put it past Caitlin to have stopped work and gone home for the night, even though she knew how important it was.
See also: past, put, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

I wouldn’t put it ˈpast somebody (to do something)

used to say that you think somebody is quite capable of doing something surprising, unusual, etc: ‘Do you think he’d ever steal from his friends?’ ‘I wouldn’t put it past him.’
See also: past, put, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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