- 1an arrangement to risk money, etc. on the result of a particular event; the money that you risk in this way to win/lose a bet bet on something We've got a bet on who's going to arrive first. He had a bet on the horses. They all put a bet on the race. I hear you're taking bets on whether she'll marry him. I did it for a bet (= because someone had agreed to pay me money if I did).
- 2(informal) an opinion about what is likely to happen or to have happened My bet is that they got held up in traffic. Idioms
used to say that if a particular event happens, then your current forecast, agreement, etc. will no longer apply We expect shares to rise unless the economy slows down again, in which case all bets are off.
used to tell someone what is the best action for them to take to get the result they want If you want to get around D.C. fast, the Metro is your best bet.
something that is likely to happen, to succeed, or to be suitable Money is a safe bet as a present for a teenager.
to reduce the risk of losing or making a mistake by supporting more than one side in a competition, an argument, etc., or by having several choices available to you She hedged her bets by applying for various other jobs as well.
Check pronunciation: bet