Dollars to donuts

Meaning

The idiom "dollars to donuts" means that something is true or probable with a high degree of certainty. It is used to express confidence in an opinion or prediction. The phrase is often used to challenge someone else's viewpoint, implying that the speaker has more conviction than the other party. For example: "I guarantee that you will never find a better restaurant in this town. Dollars to donuts!"

Usage

• "I'm telling you, there is no way she can finish the marathon on time. Dollars to donuts!"
• "The report says that our company will have a profitable quarter next year. I believe it, and I don't need any evidence to back it up. Dollars to donuts!"
• "I know he cheated on his exam, but there is no way you can prove it. Dollars to donuts!"
• "The new policy will have a negative impact on our business. I'm confident about this, and I'll stake my reputation on it. Dollars to donuts!"
• "The team will win the game tonight. I don't need to see any statistics or analysis to know this. Dollars to donuts!"

Roots and History

The origins of the idiom are uncertain, but it has been in use since at least the 19th century. It may have originated from the idea that if someone had confidence that something was true, they could bet on it with a small amount of money (a donut) without risking much. Over time, the phrase came to be used figuratively as a way to express confidence in an opinion or prediction.

Synonyms in English

• "As sure as eggs are red"
• "No doubt about it"
• "Without a shadow of a doubt"
• "I have no qualms about it"
• "I'm positive"

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "sin duda ni miedo" (without any doubt or fear)
• French - "comme ça va" (as you know)
• German - "es ist völlig sicher" (it's completely sure)
• Italian - "non dubito" (I don't doubt)
• Portuguese - "estou certo" (I am sure)

Similar Idioms

• cost an arm and a leg

• death knell

• day in, day out