bet on (someone or something)

1. To place a wager on someone or something. I bet on the winning horse! Which team did you bet on to win the Super Bowl? I heard she bet on the winning horse at the Kentucky Derby and made a boatload of cash.

2. To be certain that something will happen. Oh, you can bet on Kevin being late tonight—he's never on time! I lost my umbrella, so you can bet on it raining tomorrow! A: "If Grandma's here already, you can bet on her making Mom miserable." B: "Oh sure, they're already squabbling over the best way to make a turkey."

3. To have confidence in one's or someone else's abilities. I don't often bet on myself, but I'm trying to think more positively these days. I'm betting on my son to get the job—he's very qualified for the position. You need to have faith in your ability to do this job. If you don't bet on yourself, why would anyone else?

See also: bet, on

bet something on someone or something

to wager something on someone or something. I bet one thousand dollars on that horse! Fred bet a few bucks on his favorite football team.

See also: bet, on

bet on someone or something

to wager on someone or something. Are you really going to bet on that horse? I bet on Paul. He is the fastest runner.

See also: bet, on

bet on

1. To place a bet of some amount on some event: I bet $5 on the first race of the evening. I'm not going to bet on the last race.

2. To place a bet of some amount on some participant in an event: We bet $200 on the home team, but they lost. Don't bet anything on me in this game; I'm not a very good player. Will you bet on any of the players?

3. To expect or feel sure that something will happen: You can bet on Chris being late to the meeting.

See also: bet, on

See also: