nine times out of ten
Filed under N
In a sentence
- Nine times out of ten, she chooses the healthier option when ordering food.
- He can fix any car problem nine times out of ten.
- Nine times out of ten, the team with the most practice wins the game.
Where it comes from and how it is used
Nine times out of ten is closely related to the idiomatic expression "more often than not". Both phrases express a similar idea of a high probability or likelihood of something occurring. While "nine times out of ten" specifically suggests that the described outcome will happen in the majority of cases, "more often than not" implies that the outcome is more likely to happen than not.
This connection between the two idioms highlights the consistent and predictable nature of the events or outcomes they describe. In both cases, there is a strong indication that the expected result is the one that occurs more frequently or regularly. Whether it is "nine times out of ten" or "more often than not," the message conveyed is that there is a high chance of the described outcome happening.
Additionally, the phrase "five will get you ten" is another related idiom that expresses a similar concept of probability or likelihood. This phrase suggests that there is a strong chance or likelihood of a particular outcome happening. The use of numerical language, specifically "five" and "ten," adds emphasis to the level of probability being conveyed.
Neighbouring idioms
- more often than notTime & pace
- ten to one
- chances are
- five will get you ten
- as often as notTime & pace
- outside chance
- not likely
- long oddsSport, games & leisure
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.