Bet one's bottom dollar
Meaning
To be extremely confident or certain about something.
Origin
The phrase "bet one's bottom dollar" emerged from the world of American card games and gambling in the 19th century. In many games, players would often use stacks of coins or chips. The "bottom dollar" referred to the very last coin or chip at the bottom of a player's stack, representing their entire remaining fortune. To bet one's bottom dollar meant to risk absolutely everything on a particular outcome, demonstrating ultimate conviction. This vivid image of staking one's final penny on a sure thing quickly spread beyond the gambling halls, becoming a popular expression for absolute certainty in everyday language.
Examples
- I bet my bottom dollar that the new restaurant will be a huge success; the food is incredible.
- She was so sure of her answer, she declared she would bet her bottom dollar it was correct.