nine times out of ten: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Nine times out of ten is closely related to the idiomatic expression "more often than not". Both phrases express a similar idea of a high probability or likelihood of something occurring. While "nine times out of ten" specifically suggests that the described outcome will happen in the majority of cases, "more often than not" implies that the outcome is more likely to happen than not.

This connection between the two idioms highlights the consistent and predictable nature of the events or outcomes they describe. In both cases, there is a strong indication that the expected result is the one that occurs more frequently or regularly. Whether it is "nine times out of ten" or "more often than not," the message conveyed is that there is a high chance of the described outcome happening.

Another related idiom is "ten to one". This phrase expresses a similar idea of probability, suggesting that there is a high likelihood of a particular outcome. However, "ten to one" emphasizes a sense of risk or uncertainty compared to "nine times out of ten" and "more often than not." The phrase "ten to one" is often used in situations where the outcome is uncertain, but there is a strong belief or expectation that a particular result will occur.

Similarly, the idiom "chances are" conveys the idea of probability or likelihood. It suggests that the described outcome is highly probable or likely to happen based on the context or circumstances. This idiom, like "nine times out of ten" and "more often than not," indicates a high degree of certainty or expectation.

Additionally, the phrase "five will get you ten" is another related idiom that expresses a similar concept of probability or likelihood. This phrase suggests that there is a strong chance or likelihood of a particular outcome happening. The use of numerical language, specifically "five" and "ten," adds emphasis to the level of probability being conveyed.

Overall, these related idioms further emphasize the idea of high probability or likelihood in different ways. While "nine times out of ten" specifically indicates a majority occurrence, "more often than not" suggests a greater likelihood. "Ten to one" expresses a sense of risk or uncertainty, while "chances are" and "five will get you ten" highlight strong probabilities. These idioms provide speakers and writers with a range of linguistic tools to convey the idea of high probability or likelihood in a concise and impactful manner.