1401 Bet your bottom dollar

Explanation

An assertion that you are absolutely certain about something; you are so sure that you would wager your last dollar on it.

Origin

Likely emerged in the 19th-century United States.
Bottom dollar refers to the last dollar one possesses, implying the highest confidence in the bet because you're risking everything.
Silver dollars were common currency, and stacking them was visually intuitive – the bottom one is the last one left.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

No doubt
For real
Dead cert (UK/Aus) Short for 'dead certainty'
Take it to the bank
Word (AAVE influence, signifies agreement/truth)
Count on it

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Fuckin' A right
Damn straight
No fucking doubt

Milder/Standard:

I'm quite certain
I'm very confident
Undoubtedly

Situational Appropriateness

Informal to semi-formal.
Common in everyday conversation. Avoid in very formal writing or situations requiring objective language.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Non-native speakers might take the betting aspect literally. Clarify it's just an idiom for expressing strong certainty, not an actual wager.

Examples

He says he'll be late, but you can bet your bottom dollar he'll arrive exactly on time.
Bet your bottom dollar it's going to rain tomorrow; the clouds look ominous.
She's the best candidate for the job, I'd bet my bottom dollar on it.

Dialogue

Mia: Do you think the traffic will be bad heading to the airport this afternoon?

Leo: It's Friday rush hour before a holiday weekend? You can bet your bottom dollar it'll be jammed.

Mia: Urgh, okay. We should probably leave an hour earlier than planned then.

Leo: Definitely. I'd bet my bottom dollar on needing the extra time.

Response Patterns

Agreement: Yeah, I think you're right.
Mild challenge: You think so? I'm not so sure.
Accepting the implied wager humorously: Alright, how much? (Not usually taken literally).

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone says Bet your bottom dollar:

Someone might ask *why* they are so certain: What makes you so sure?
Or simply acknowledge the certainty: Okay, I'll take your word for it.
The speaker might follow up by providing the reason for their certainty.

Conversation Starter

No.
Used to express certainty about a statement already made or in response to a question about likelihood.

Intonation

Said with confidence and certainty. Emphasis often falls on bet and bottom dollar. You can BET your BOTTOM DOLLAR he'll win.

Generation Differences

Generally understood across generations, though it might feel slightly old-fashioned or quaint to some younger speakers. Still in common usage.

Regional Variations

Primarily American English in origin, but widely understood and sometimes used in other English-speaking regions (Canada, Australia). Less common in the UK where I'd bet my house on it or similar might be used.

Gordian Knot

🎲 Hands down

[1401] Bet your bottom dollar