even money

even money

Equal odds or likelihood of some outcome or event happening or not. Taken from a gambling wager of 1:1, in which the bettor stands to win or lose equal amounts of money on the outcome. I've been training all year, but my opponent is exceptionally tough, so I'd say it's even money as to who will win. The rail system is so poor here that it's usually even money whether the train will arrive or not.
See also: even, money
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

even money

Equal odds that something will occur, as in It's even money that he'll get the contract. The term comes from gambling, where it signifies equal odds in a bet. [Late 1800s]
See also: even, money
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

even money

If something is even money, it is equally likely that either of two possible things will happen. The album is even money to get to number one. Note: This expression comes from the situation in betting when you have an equal chance of winning or losing your money.
See also: even, money
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • in equal measure(s)
  • in some, equal, etc. measure
  • equal in
  • equal in (someone or something)
  • fifty-fifty
  • all else being equal
  • all (other) things being equal
  • a Roland for an Oliver
  • come out to (something)
  • be level pegging
References in periodicals archive
"He wouldn't take anything off me, not even money for petrol for bringing it all the way to my home.
I'm so grateful for the kindness of honest John; EDITH THANKS STRANGER WHO WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO RETURN HER LOST PURSE
Considering Rotherham have picked up just a single away point, Stan James's even money for Blues to secure three points looks surprisingly generous and while the correct score market's most popular result is 1-1 (11/2, BetVictor.com), Ladbrokes' 6/1 for Birmingham to win 1-0 is attractive enough to warrant a punt.
BETTING
Solow is even money to defeat Gleneagles, who is a top-priced 4-1 with Betfred, after recording his eighth consecutive victory last week.
Solow to go straight to QEII
There is also even money that the first cast member of ITV's The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) will announce a pregnancy in the New Year.
ODDS ON NEW YEAR BETTING
The even money about Tipp being within 9 points on the handicap betting is starting to look tempting.
Take this Tipp
He said: "I wouldn't say it was months in the planning, weeks maybe - but it was polished after reading Even Money."
BOOKIES STUNG-BY THE BOOK; FRANCIS PLOT INSPIRES BETTING COUP
Benjamin Eckstein, president of syndicated newspaper odds column America's Line, listed "Avatar" as a 1-2 favorite for best picture with "The Hurt Locker" an even money contender.
Bridges, Bullock tabbed as early Oscar favorites
However, Plymouth have managed just one clean sheet all season, a record which adds appeal to Sportingbet's even money price for City to notch the opener.
Money is on Home Park draw
Even Money is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of an exciting thriller blend of horse racing, bookmaking, and murder.
Even Money
Blues are Sportingbet's 8/13 favourites to overhaul Doncaster and bet365's even money for them to maintain a clean sheet appeals.
Friday Flutter; Your guide to the best bets
Even money pumped into new dramas in a bid to save telly from an all-time slump isn't thought out.
SOCK IT TO 'EM, ROBIN; jon wise on the box
Betdirect's even money for more goals in the second half than first is well worth a look.
Football: Celts thin bother; PREMIER LEAGUE
Even money that well-meaning tourists spent in Cuba would end up mostly in the government's hands, and would therefore support the corrupt regime rather than helping the Cuban people.
Should the U.S. end its Cuba embargo? The 43-year-old embargo has severely restricted trade and travel between the two nations. Its value and impact are hotly disputed
Dave reminds his readers that "literacy is a far better tool and symbol of empowerment than any other, even money." With this guide, he has made a significant contribution to the advancement of literacy in our schools.
Williams, David R. Sin boldly! Dr. Dave's guide to writing the college paper
Tally Ho Shimmer is drawn in trap four of the six finalists and expected to be an even money chance for the pounds 8,000 prize.
Tally Ho for Jan hopes