not put it past (someone)

not put it past (someone)

To not dismiss or rule out the possibility that someone has engaged in a particular kind of bad behavior, based on that person's previous pattern of 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.

See also: not, past, put

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

not put it past someone

to think that someone would not dare to do something. He might run away from school. I wouldn't put it past him. I wouldn't put it past Roger to arrive unannounced.

See also: not, past, put

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

not put it past someone

believe someone to be psychologically capable of doing something, especially something you consider wrong or rash.

See also: not, past, put, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017