Phrase guide

hedge one's bets

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

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

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To place bets with a third party in order to offset potential losses.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: lay off

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To reduce the risk of making a mistake by keeping one's options open.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Japanese: 賭けをヘッジする (kake o hejji-suru) — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment
  • Polish: asekurować się — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment
  • Polish: zabezpieczać się — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment
  • Polish: zabezpieczyć się — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment
  • Spanish: minimizar riesgos — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment
  • Spanish: asegurar la jugada — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment
  • Spanish: ir por la segura — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment
  • Spanish: cubrir las apuestas — to curtail risk by avoiding commitment