more often than not: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘more often than not’ mean?
The idiom "more often than not" means that something is likely to happen or be true most of the time, although there may be exceptions occasionally.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "vast majority" refers to an overwhelmingly large or significant portion or number of something.
The idiom "same difference" is used to express the idea that two things may seem different but are actually quite similar or have no significant difference.
The idiom "rule of thumb" means a general principle or guideline that is widely accepted and used in a particular context, often based on practical experience rather than precise measurements or exact rules.
The idiom "rain or shine" means that something will happen regardless of the weather or any other adverse conditions.
The idiom "par for the course" means that something is typical or expected in a given situation.
The idiom "over and over again" means repeatedly doing or experiencing something.
The idiom "outside chance" means a very small probability or possibility of something happening.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "nine times out of ten" means that something is very likely to happen, but there is still a small chance it may not. It suggests a high probability or likelihood, but acknowledges the existence of some potential exceptions.
Deciphering Odds
The idiom "more often than not" is widely used to indicate that something happens or is true most of the time, but not always. It is derived from the combination of the words "more" and "often than not," indicating a majority occurrence. This phrase is used across various contexts to express a typical or expected result while acknowledging the possibility of exceptions.
One related idiom is "as often as not." This phrase also conveys the idea that something happens or is true most of the time but not always. It serves as a way to qualify a statement or observation by acknowledging that there may be instances where the expected outcome does not occur. For example, you could say "As often as not, the weather in this region is sunny and warm."
Another related idiom is "chances are." This phrase is used to suggest that something is likely or probable. It is often used in statements or predictions to convey the idea that there is a higher likelihood of a particular outcome. For instance, you could say "Chances are, you'll find a parking spot if you arrive early."
Using the idiom "more often than not" can also add nuance to a generalization or express probabilities and trends. It emphasizes the understanding that life and events are not absolute but subject to variables and exceptions. This phrase is widely recognized and employed in various forms of communication, including written, spoken, and digital discourse.
It is important to note that the idiom "more often than not" is a subjective assessment rather than a precise measurement. Its exact frequency or percentage is not quantifiable or universally agreed upon. Nevertheless, its established usage and recognition make it a valuable addition to the English language.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "more often than not" can be used in a sentence:
- More often than not, he arrives late to our meetings.
- She takes the scenic route to work, more often than not.
- They go out for dinner on Fridays, more often than not.
More "Frequency" idioms
