# put past

idiom

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

## Meaning

To consider (something) to be not possible for (someone) (to do); (see also put it past).

## Examples

- I would not put it past him to lie.
- She is very competitive, so I would not put it past her to cheat to win.
- Given his history of unpredictable behavior and disregard for the rules, I would not put it past him to abandon the project entirely before the deadline.

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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.