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."
inseparable
put past
B2 informal inseparable transitive
Used in negative constructions to indicate that you believe someone is capable of doing something unexpected or bad.
In plain English
To think that someone is the kind of person who would do something — usually something bad or surprising.
What does "put past" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "put past"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
him her them anyone management politicians
How to conjugate "put past"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "put past" in the wild
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Other ways to say "put past"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
believe able to not put it past think capable of wouldn't surprise me
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