probably

if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it is a duck

If something has all the characteristics of a thing, it is probably that thing, regardless of what it is called or presented as. There are many variations of the expression, and it is often shortened to the first part of the phrase. They say it's not a tax, but come on—it's an annual financial contribution determined by our yearly income. If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it's a duck. A: "They say that they're just reorganizing the department, but it seems an awful lot like they're getting ready for a round of mass layoffs." B: "Well, if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck…." I tell her all the time, "If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it is a duck," but no, nothing changes her mind about the lying loser she's seeing.

See also: and, duck, if, like, look, walk

if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

If something seems more exciting, pleasing, or ideal than seems reasonable, then it likely isn't genuine, legitimate, or true. Yep, the bank made a mistake when they listed such a low asking price for the house. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right? A: "The car looks like it's in pristine condition. Can you believe they want to sell it for just $2,000?" B: "I don't know, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I bet there's something wrong with it that they're not telling us." The offer they were making was certainly tempting, but, come on—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

See also: good, if, probably, sound, to

if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is

If something seems more exciting, pleasing, or ideal than seems reasonable, then it likely isn't genuine, legitimate, or true. Yep, the bank made a mistake when they listed such a low asking price for the house. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is, right? A: "The car looks like it's in pristine condition. Can you believe they want to sell it for just $2,000?" B: "I don't know, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I bet there's something wrong with it that they're not telling us." The offer they were making was certainly tempting, but, come on—if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

See also: good, if, probably, something, sound, to

might as well

Should (do something), typically because there is no reason not to. The deadline is today, but you might as well send it in anyway—they may still accept it. A: "Are you going to work late tonight?" B: "I might as well. I have nothing else going on."

See also: might, well

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

might as well

 and may as well

a phrase indicating that it is probably better to do something than not to do it. Bill: Should we try to get there for the first showing of the film? Jane: Might as well. Nothing else to do. Andy: May as well leave now. It doesn't matter if we arrive a little bit early. Jane: Why do we always have to be the first to arrive?

See also: might, well

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