all bets are off

English

Etymology

Originally used by sports bookmakers, and in particular horseracing. The bookmaker is not taking any more bets and all existing bets placed on the competition are now null and void. This may have been because the race was cancelled, the starting lineup was substantially changed, or due to an irregularity in the conduct of the race.

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Phrase

all bets are off

  1. (idiomatic) Indicates that a future event appears uncertain, especially one that before seemed more certain. Any prior agreements are no longer valid.
  2. (idiomatic, by extension) Anything can happen; any previous preconceptions about what might happen are dismissed.
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