put it past: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "put it past" has several different meanings and uses. One of the most common meanings is to believe or accept that someone is capable of doing something, even if it seems unlikely or surprising. For example, if someone says, "I wouldn't put it past Tom to cheat on his taxes," they are expressing the belief that Tom may indeed cheat on his taxes, even though it may be unexpected or shocking.

Another way this idiom is used is to suggest that someone is capable of doing something negative or wrong. For instance, if someone says, "I wouldn't put it past him to steal the money," they are implying that the person in question is capable of committing theft, even though it may not be a known fact or an established pattern of behavior.

The idiom "put one past" is closely related to "put it past" with a slight variation in meaning. "Put one past" means to deceive or outsmart someone, often in a cunning or clever way. It refers to successfully tricking or fooling someone in a particular situation. For example, if someone says, "He really put one past the goalkeeper with that tricky shot," they are highlighting how the person successfully deceived the goalkeeper and scored a goal.

Additionally, "put it to" is another related idiom that conveys a similar sense of capability or expectation. "Put it to" means to test or challenge someone or something. It implies putting someone or something in a situation where their abilities or qualities will be tested or assessed. For instance, if someone says, "Let's put it to the new employee to see how they handle difficult clients," they are suggesting that the new employee be put in a situation where their ability to handle difficult clients will be assessed.

The idiom "put one over" is another related expression that shares similarities with "put it past." "Put one over" means to deceive or trick someone in a way that results in gaining an advantage or getting away with something. It indicates successfully fooling someone in order to achieve a personal gain or advantage. For example, if someone says, "He really put one over on his business partner with that deal," they are implying that the person deceived their partner and gained an advantage in the business deal.

The idiom can also be used to express doubt or skepticism about a person's actions or intentions. If someone says, "I wouldn't put it past her to cancel at the last minute," they are indicating that they have doubts or suspicions about the person's reliability or commitment, and they wouldn't be surprised if the person canceled the plans.

Furthermore, "put it past" can be used to suggest that someone is capable of surprising or impressing others with their abilities or achievements. For example, if someone says, "I wouldn't put it past her to win the competition," they are expressing their belief that the person has the potential to win, even if it may seem unlikely to others.

While the exact origins of this idiom are unclear, it is likely a variation of the phrase "put past," which means to dismiss or ignore something. Over time, it evolved to convey the idea of acknowledging or considering something as a possibility. However, the specific usage of "put it past" as an idiom is not extensively documented or explored in etymological sources.

The idiom "put it past" encompasses various meanings and uses related to belief, doubt, capability, and potential. Its usage allows speakers to express a range of emotions and perceptions towards others' actions or abilities. It is closely related to idioms like "put one past," "put it to," and "put one over," each conveying its own nuances and shades of meaning. While its exact origins remain elusive, it continues to be a versatile phrase in the English language, conveying both skepticism and the acknowledgment of possibilities.