nine times out of ten: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘nine times out of ten’ mean?
The idiom "nine times out of ten" means that something is very likely to happen, but there is still a small chance it may not. It suggests a high probability or likelihood, but acknowledges the existence of some potential exceptions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "ten to one" means there is a high probability or likelihood of something happening. It suggests that the chances of a particular outcome are very likely, with the ratio being 10:1 in favor of that outcome.
The idiom "rule out" means to eliminate or exclude something as a possibility or option. It is often used when discussing a process of elimination or when making a decision based on certain criteria.
Idiom: Rule Out
Pigs might fly is an idiom that expresses doubt or disbelief about the likelihood of something happening. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 17th century and is believed to have originated in England, later spreading to other English-speaking countries.
The idiom "par for the course" means that something is typical or expected in a given situation.
The idiom "over nine thousand" is used to exaggerate a large quantity or amount. It originated from a popular internet meme and is often used humorously in informal contexts.
The idiom "outside chance" means a very small probability or possibility of something happening.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "on the cards" means that something is likely or probable to happen in the future.
The idiom "only time will tell" suggests that the outcome or truth of a situation can only be known or understood in the future as events unfold.
The idiom "one of those things" refers to a situation or event that is out of one's control, often unexpected or difficult to explain or understand.
The idiom "one of those things" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often employed in discussions about events, situations, or circumstances that are difficult to explain or understand. While there are variations of this idiom, the core meaning remains consistent.
Decoding the Odds
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.
Another related idiom is "ten to one". This phrase expresses a similar idea of probability, suggesting that there is a high likelihood of a particular outcome. However, "ten to one" emphasizes a sense of risk or uncertainty compared to "nine times out of ten" and "more often than not." The phrase "ten to one" is often used in situations where the outcome is uncertain, but there is a strong belief or expectation that a particular result will occur.
Similarly, the idiom "chances are" conveys the idea of probability or likelihood. It suggests that the described outcome is highly probable or likely to happen based on the context or circumstances. This idiom, like "nine times out of ten" and "more often than not," indicates a high degree of certainty or expectation.
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.
Overall, these related idioms further emphasize the idea of high probability or likelihood in different ways. While "nine times out of ten" specifically indicates a majority occurrence, "more often than not" suggests a greater likelihood. "Ten to one" expresses a sense of risk or uncertainty, while "chances are" and "five will get you ten" highlight strong probabilities. These idioms provide speakers and writers with a range of linguistic tools to convey the idea of high probability or likelihood in a concise and impactful manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "nine times out of ten" can be used 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.
More "Probability" idioms
