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Region: US | Usage example: They were betting the farm on the new product launch.

Betting the farm

Meaning

Risking everything on a single bet.

Usage

Used when someone commits desperately to one project.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Farmers once risked their land in gambling, a powerful metaphor in rural America.

Popular in newspapers describing risky ventures in the early 1900s.

Related Idioms

Bet the farm

Risk everything on a single gamble.

Go for broke

Risk everything to achieve success.

All systems go

Everything is ready for action.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.