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all bets are off

[ awl bets ahr awf, of ]

idiom

  1. (used when the outcome of a situation is too uncertain to predict):

    We have to make it to the meeting place by 5:30 or all bets are off.

    The individual ingredients may be safe, but once you mix them up into a brew, all bets are off.



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Word History and Origins

Origin of all bets are off1

First recorded in 1830–40, in reference to horse races

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