Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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phrase
Indicates that a future event appears uncertain, especially one that before seemed more certain, and where any prior agreements are no longer valid
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
phrase
Anything can happen; any previous preconceptions about what might happen are dismissed.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: broadly, idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Originally used by sports bookmakers, and in particular horseracing. The bookmaker is not taking any more bets and all existing bets placed on the competition are now null and void. This may have been because the race was cancelled, the starting lineup was substantially changed, or due to an irregularity in the conduct of the race.
