Bet the farm/ranch on something

verb

To risk everything you have on a chance or an opportunity.

He bet the farm on a deal that turned out to be fraudulent.
Visual representation of "bet the farm/ranch on something" - To risk everything you have on a chance or an opportunity

Often appears as...

  • he bet the farm
  • bet the farm on

Usage tips

Colloquial, Neutral

Idiomatic

verb

To risk everything you have on a chance or an opportunity.

He bet the farm on a deal that turned out to be fraudulent.
Visual representation of "bet the farm/ranch on something" - To risk everything you have on a chance or an opportunity

Often appears as...

  • he bet the farm
  • bet the farm on

Usage tips

Colloquial, Neutral

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "bet the farm/ranch on something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

The phrase isn't about actual farms. It means risking a lot on one chance.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She bet the farm on that stock, now she's anxious.
LampPro Tip 2/3

High Stakes

Using the phrase implies the outcome is very important to the person.

Illustration for High Stakes
He bet the ranch on winning the poker tournament.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Risk

Even if there's no physical farm, it expresses taking a significant risk.

Illustration for Figurative Risk
I'd bet the farm you'll love this movie.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

The phrase isn't about actual farms. It means risking a lot on one chance.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She bet the farm on that stock, now she's anxious.
LampPro Tip 2/3

High Stakes

Using the phrase implies the outcome is very important to the person.

Illustration for High Stakes
He bet the ranch on winning the poker tournament.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Risk

Even if there's no physical farm, it expresses taking a significant risk.

Illustration for Figurative Risk
I'd bet the farm you'll love this movie.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

The phrase isn't about actual farms. It means risking a lot on one chance.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
She bet the farm on that stock, now she's anxious.
LampPro Tip 2/3

High Stakes

Using the phrase implies the outcome is very important to the person.

Illustration for High Stakes
He bet the ranch on winning the poker tournament.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Risk

Even if there's no physical farm, it expresses taking a significant risk.

Illustration for Figurative Risk
I'd bet the farm you'll love this movie.
Visual representation of the word "Bet the farm/ranch on something"

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