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| Date: | 1500-1600 |
| Origin: | Perhaps from abet 'support, help' (14-16 centuries), from abet 'to help' |
Related topics:1DGG an agreement to risk money on the result of a race, game etc or on something happening, or the money that you risk : 
a £50 bet
a £50 bet2 used when advising someone what to do : Your best bet is to put an advert in the local newspaper. The train might be a better bet.
your best bet
spokenYour best bet is to put an advert in the local newspaper.The train might be a better bet.3 an action or situation that is likely to be successful or does not involve much risk : If you're looking for long-term growth, the government's own saving certificates are a pretty good bet.
a good/safe bet
If you're looking for long-term growth, the government's own saving certificates are a pretty good bet.➔ hedge your bets
at hedge2 (2)4 used to say that something seems almost certain : I think it's a pretty safe bet that he'll get the job.
it's a safe/sure/fair bet (that)
spokenI think it's a pretty safe bet that he'll get the job.5 used when saying what you expect to happen in the future : My bet is he'll be back this time next week.
my bet
spokenMy bet is he'll be back this time next week.6 to do something stupid, dangerous etc to win money from someone or to prove that you can do it : He climbed the tree for a bet.
do something for a bet
DGGHe climbed the tree for a bet.