# make book

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-book
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To gamble, either by placing or taking bets.

## Examples

- They make book on the outcome of every local horse race.
- The shady character in the corner of the pub likes to make book on football matches.
- Despite the strict local regulations, the underground gambling ring continued to make book on the high-stakes boxing matches held in the city.

## Origin

The "be confident" sense is connected to the "gamble" sense: a sure bet is one that you can be nearly certain of. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.