This is lesson 5 from Idiom Part 3. Each idiom is followed by its definition and examples. After you learn them, you can use them in your daily conversation.
Previous English Idiom Lesson
In our previous English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Idioms Related To Being Positive
English Idiom Part 3- Lesson 5- Idioms on Certainty and Doubt
1- Shadow of a doubt = A very slight doubt or uncertainty.
The evidence was so clear that there wasn’t a shadow of a doubt about his guilt.
2- No doubt = Certainly; without question.
No doubt, she’s one of the most talented artists in the group.
3- The benefit of the doubt = To choose to believe someone, even if you’re not sure they’re telling the truth.
I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he just forgot to call.
4- There is no doubt in my mind = I am completely certain.
There is no doubt in my mind that she will pass the exam.
5- Just in case = As a provision against something happening or being true
Have my number just in case you need it while I’m away.
7- To be on the safe side = To act with extra caution or precaution, usually to avoid potential risks or unpleasant outcomes, even if those risks are not highly probable
Do you travel light or with lots of things to be on the safe side?
8- An educated guess = A guess based on prior knowledge or experience.
Based on the symptoms, the doctor made an educated guess about the diagnosis.
9- It’s in the bag = Success is certain or guaranteed.
With our best player back on the team, it’s in the bag now.
10- It’s on the cards = Something is likely to happen.
A promotion is looking good, it’s on the cards for next month.
11- It’s touch and go = The outcome is uncertain and could go either way.
The surgery was risky, and it’s touch and go whether he’ll recover fully.
12- It’s anyone’s guess = Nobody knows what will happen.
With the market this unstable, it’s anyone’s guess what prices will be like tomorrow.
13- It’s all up in the air = Uncertain or undecided.
Our holiday plans are all up in the air until we get confirmation from the airline.
14- It’s a foregone conclusion = The result is certain and inevitable.
With their lead in the polls, it’s a foregone conclusion they’ll win the election.
15- It is taken for granted = To assume something is true or will always be there without appreciating it.
He takes it for granted that his parents will always help him out.
16- Feel it in (my) bones = A strong instinctive feeling that something is true or will happen.
The storm’s coming soon and I can feel it in my bones.
17- Your guess is as good as mine = I don’t know either; we’re equally unsure.
“When will the boss arrive?” “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Next English Idiom Lesson
In our next English idiom lesson, we cover below:
Related Idioms
Here is the list of idioms related to this lesson.
Idiom Part 3 Outline
If you wish to explore all lessons that are covered in HiCafe Idiom Part 3, you can visit the Essential and Popular English idioms- Part 3 page.
English Fluency Resources
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