Put past Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpʊt/ /ˈpæst

PUUT-PAST

UK

pʊt/ /pˈɑːst

PUUT-PAHST

Definition

To believe that someone is capable of doing something, usually something surprising or negative. Used mostly in the phrase 'I wouldn't put it past [someone]' to mean you think the person might do it.

Usage & Nuances

Almost always negative, implying suspicion or a lack of trust. Common phrases: 'I wouldn't put it past him/her/them'. Often used with people known for bad behavior or surprises. Do not use for positive expectations.

• Spanish: atribuirle (algo a alguien) - pensar capaz de (alguien)
• Portuguese (BR): acreditar (algo a alguém) - achar capaz (alguém de fazer algo)
• Portuguese (PT): atribuir (algo a alguém) - achar alguém capaz de (algo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 认为（某人会做某事）
• Chinese (Traditional): 認為（某人會做某事）
• Hindi: किसी के बारे में सोचना कि वह कुछ कर सकता है
• Arabic: أن تعتقد أن شخصًا قادر على فعل شيء ما
• Bengali: সম্ভব বলে মনে করা - মনে সন্দেহ করা (নেতিবাচক পরিস্থিতিতে)
• Russian: подозревать - не удивиться если (негативное)
• Japanese: やりかねないと思う
• Vietnamese: không ngạc nhiên nếu - nghĩ ai đó có thể làm (điều xấu)
• Korean: 못할 것 같지 않다 - 충분히 할 수 있다(나쁜 행동에 대해)
• Turkish: yapabileceğinden şüphe etmemek - ona bunu yapmak yakışır
• Urdu: بعید نہیں سمجھنا - شبہ کرنا کہ (منفی عمل)
• Indonesian: tidak heran jika - mengira seseorang mampu (hal buruk)

Example Sentences

I wouldn't put it past Tom to lie about being sick.

basic

She broke the vase—I wouldn't put it past her to do it on purpose.

basic

Would you put it past them to cheat in the game?

basic

After what he did last time, I wouldn't put it past him to do it again.

natural

Honestly, I wouldn't put it past her to steal the idea—she's done it before.

natural

If someone told me he was lying, I wouldn't put it past him for a second.

natural