put past
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To think that someone is the kind of person who would do something — usually something bad or surprising.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To believe that someone is capable of a particular negative or surprising action (always negative: 'wouldn't put it past').
"I wouldn't put it past them to change the rules at the last minute."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Nearly always used in the negative ('wouldn't put it past') or with 'nothing' ('nothing is past him'). Almost always refers to a negative or surprising action. Very common in spoken British and American English.
Commonly used with
him her them anyone management politicians
Forms
Base
put past
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts past
he/she/it
Past simple
put past
yesterday
Past participle
put past
have + pp
-ing form
putting past
continuous
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Synonyms
wouldn't surprise me think capable of believe able to not put it past
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