# put it past

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-it-past
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To consider it not possible for (someone) (to do something).

## Examples

- I would not put it past him to lie.
- He is very competitive, so I would not put it past him to cheat to win the game.
- Given her history of unpredictable behavior, I would not put it past her to resign without any warning at all.

## Origin

From put past with placeholder it.

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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.