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to reckon without sb/sth
01
to not consider a thing or person while planning and fail to prepare a way to deal with them as a result
What is the origin of the idiom "reckon without somebody or something" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "reckon without somebody or something" is not precisely documented, but it has been in use since the 19th century. It likely developed as a figurative expression from the more literal use of "reckon" (meaning to calculate or consider) in the context of making predictions, assumptions, or plans. It is still used in both formal and informal contexts to caution against overlooking important elements in decision-making.
Example
Too many companies reckon without the pitfalls that make insurance like this an absolute necessity.
I know, I really reckoned without my host on that one.
When they made their travel plans, they reckoned without the possibility of flight delays and bad weather.
We'd expected a two-hour drive but had reckoned without the rain.
They thought they could win the competition easily, but they reckoned without the fierce determination of their opponents.
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