good bet

good bet

1. Something that is certain to occur. Based on his grades, it's a pretty good bet that Harry won't be able to graduate on time.
2. A person or thing that is certain to be good or successful. The department felt that she was a good bet for the account manager position.
See also: bet, good
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(a) good bet

Fig. a great likelihood. It's a good bet that he will be late because of the rain.
See also: bet, good
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

a good bet

or

a safe bet

COMMON
1. If something is a good bet or a safe bet, it is a sensible or useful thing to do or use. If you're after something smart to wear to a friend's wedding, a dark suit has to be a good bet. When you're unfamiliar with your guests' likes and dislikes, chicken is a safe bet for the main course. Note: You can also say that something would be a better bet or a safer bet, meaning that it would be more sensible or useful than another possibility. I was going to buy an apartment but I'm now thinking a house might be a better bet. Basing a drama series on a book is a far safer bet than commissioning a brand new one. Note: You can also say that something is someone's best bet or safest bet, meaning that it is the most sensible or useful thing to do. If you really want to keep your home safe from robbery, your best bet is still to buy a dog.
2. If something is a good bet or a safe bet, it is very likely to happen. With these players, Leeds United look a good bet to reach the final for the first time since 1978. They won't enjoy reading this book; it's a safe bet that few will read more than 100 pages.
See also: bet, good
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • a good bet
  • a safe bet
  • be in the driving seat
  • be in the saddle
  • boast
  • boast about
  • boast about (someone or something)
  • fade into insignificance
  • be on (one's) back
  • be on somebody's back
References in classic literature
Garth when Mary was likely to be come home again)-- he had those ten pounds in his mind as a fund from which he might risk something, if there were a chance of a good bet. Why?
Middlemarch
The Rob Rinder Verdict (Channel 4, 10pm-11.05pm) If you're a fan of Judge Rinder, there's a good bet you'll already have made a note in your diary regarding this new series.
tv highlights
AUSTIN HEALEY has delivered his verdict on Wales' hopes for the World Cup later this year - backing them as a "good bet".
Wales are a good bet for World Cup says Healey; rugby union
Turning to the World Cup in Japan later this year, he said: "I said a long time ago, and people won't believe this, that Wales are a really good bet for the World Cup.
Austin Healey gives his take on Wales' World Cup hopes - and it's actually pretty good; 'They've got a coach who undoubtedly gets it right time after time'
You can never rely on Liverpool to keep a clean sheet so both teams to score looks a good bet.
BRIGHTON v LIVERPOOL 6/ JOE []; BOOKIES v BETTING BOYS; William Hill's Joe Crilly gives his verdict on the weekend's big games, but those fabulous Betting Boys are looking to take him on..and take his money.
Home Of The Brave looks a good bet to repeat last year's victory in the totepool EBF Stallions King Richard III Stakes at Leicester.
Neil will be Doing Fine with a victory
ST HELENS v WARRINGTON Sky Sports 3, 8pm WARRINGTON look a good bet for their Super League assignment at St Helens tonight, writes Rod Studd.
Wolves appeal
A GOOD BET? While undoubtedly shrewd and cutthroat in business, Kraft is an everyman sports fan through and through.
BILLIONAIRES LINKED TO CLUB
From midsummer on, a mixture of Chinese leaves, mustards and mizuna is a good bet.
ASK CAROL; GARDENS With Carol Klein of TV's Gardeners' World GARDENS With Carol Klein of TV's Gardeners' World
It was a good bet that this was yet another attempt to divert precious public funding away from realistic job creation schemes, health, etc - PS2m wasted already, it seems.
A circuit OFWALEs that's pie in the sky; Views of Wales
With Frank Sinatra belting out Leaving On A Jet Plane, there's a good bet Benidorm fans may even shed a little tear as the regulars pack their bags at the end of another series.
THURSDAY'S TV 13.02.14; CHOICE
He told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland: "I just wonder if Andrew would be a good bet, just given that they met in St Andrews.
DON'T BET ON ANDREW, SAYS ALEX
NORTHERN STAGE AT EDINBURGH FESTIVAL @ propershameful : Northern Stage at St Stephens is a good bet all round for shows.
WORD ON THE TWEET
Swan Lake is a good bet for carp in the 12lb to 15lb range on small boilies or pellets, while the Birch Syndicate Lake has produced a string of big carp, the best weighing 27.5lb and caught by Michael Evans, as well as pike over 20lb.
Lake yielding good catches; ANGLINGBRIEF
MOUNT SANDEL (3.05) looks a good bet to complete his hat-trick in the 3m novices' chase at Carlisle.
SANDEL'S STEP UP