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UKnine times out of ten
/nˈaɪn tˈaɪmz ˌaʊtəv tˈɛn/
/nˈaɪn tˈaɪmz ˌaʊɾəv tˈɛn/nine times out of ten
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "nine times out of ten" and when to use it?
The idiom "nine times out of ten" derived from the numerical representation and the concept of probability. It likely emerged from common observations and experiences, where a particular outcome or event occurred with a high frequency or regularity. Over time, it became a widely used idiom in the English language to express a strong likelihood or probability. This phrase is used when discussing situations, outcomes, or patterns that are expected to occur or be true in the majority of cases.
Examples
1. That’s why when you hear about the Federal Reserve, nine times out of ten it’s about interest rates, because that’s the main way the Fed controls the money supply.
2. She beats me at chess nine times out of ten.
3. If you typed Tucker's quote into a blank word document, nine times out of ten Clippy's gonna ask, "Are you trying to recite the 'Fourteen Words'?"
4. The law says they're not supposed to, but buddy, let me assure you, nine times out of ten, they get their worker's comp or their unemployment.
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