all bets are off
No guarantees remain
All bets are off signals that previous expectations, agreements, or predictions no longer apply—the situation has changed so fundamentally that anything could happen.
The phrase comes from gambling, where uncertain conditions void wagers.
If the weather turns, all bets are off for the outdoor wedding.
Once she found out he'd lied, all bets were off.
- up in the airUnresolved, awaiting determination
- high stakesSignificant potential for loss
- curveballPitch with spin-induced arc
- thrown for a loopUtterly surprised and confused
- roll the diceAccept uncertain outcome
chaos · all hell breaks loose · uncertain · unpredictable · breaking point · upheaval · wager · indeterminate · flux · anything goes · in play · game changer · wild card · volatility · risk-taking · tipping point · gamble · odds
- Competition idiomslevel playing field, down to the wire, neck and neck, win hands down, come from behind
- decisionschoice, make a decision, choices, yes, no
- Risk-Takingplaying with fire, rolling the dice, taking chances, living on the edge, going for broke
all bets are offin the bag
Certain to succeed
money in the bank · guaranteed · written in stone · set in stone · certain
bets, betting, bettor, bettors, allied, alliance, allies, offing