wouldn't bet on it

I wouldn't bet on (something)

I think it is very unlikely that something will happen or be the case. A: "John said he'd be here by 8." B: "Yeah, I wouldn't bet on it. John has never been on time for anything in his life." Politicians talk about reform all the time, but I wouldn't bet on any legislation come out of Washington anytime soon.
See also: bet, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(I) wouldn't bet on it.

 and (I) wouldn't count on it.
Fig. I do not believe that something will happen. (Also with that or some specific happening. See examples.) John: I'll be a vice president in a year or two. Mary: I wouldn't bet on that. John: I'll pick up a turkey on the day before Thanksgiving. Mary: Did you order one ahead of time? John: No. Mary: Then I wouldn't count on it.
See also: bet, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • I wouldn't bet on (something)
  • I wouldn't bet on it
  • john
  • the john
  • live and kicking
  • reign
  • it's all good
  • excuse
References in periodicals archive
"I wouldn't bet on it normally unless there was a word for something."
. . . but as it's not everyone's cup of tea, we ask racegoers how they feel about it; ALL-WEATHER PREVIEW HOT TOPIC Racegoers have their say on the major issues Will you be betting on the all-weather this winter?