a bold bet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bold bet" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something risky or daring, often with potential for great gain or loss. For example: "Making the decision to invest all his savings into the stock market was a bold bet, but it paid off in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

He's making a bold bet.

The New York Times

As with Vodafone, it was a bold bet.

The Guardian - Business

"It's a bold bet, no doubt about it," he said.

The New York Times

He also made a bold bet on digitization.

Harvard Business Review

"If you're shorting shares at seven to eight times earnings, it's a bold bet," he says.

The Economist

Iridium really was a bold bet on the future, while most Internet ventures are not.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And it's what, as CEO Dara Khosrowshahi calls it, a big, bold bet.

TechCrunch

TC: As I mentioned last quarter, we made a very bold bet on taking iPhone capacity to 14 million.

TechCrunch

Earlier today, in a big, bold bet on moving one of the larger needles in healthcare, SAS announced a collaborative effort with drug giant GlaxoSmithKline aimed squarely at the global pharmaceutical industry.

Forbes

Clothing designers lauded the elaborate marketing and the bold bet on a single fabric.

The New York Times

That year, a young pollster named George Gallup made a bold public bet: not only would he predict the election result correctly but Literary Digest would get it wrong.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bold bet" when you want to emphasize the potential for both significant gain and significant loss. It's particularly effective when describing strategic decisions, investments, or innovative projects.

Common error

Avoid using "a bold bet" to describe trivial or low-stakes situations. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bold bet" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a particular action or decision that involves significant risk and potential reward. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is standard in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

21%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bold bet" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a decision or action that involves significant risk but also carries the potential for substantial reward. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is standard English and commonly employed across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Formal & Business writing, and Academia. While the phrase indicates that risk is involved, it is imperative to avoid hyperbole and reserve its usage for situations genuinely warranting such a description. Semantically related alternatives include "a daring gamble" and "a risky proposition", each with slight nuances to adjust the meaning to fit the context. The phrase is a noun phrase that can function as the subject or object of a sentence and, finally, can also communicate evaluation or admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daring gamble

Emphasizes the risk involved in the undertaking.

an adventurous undertaking

Highlights the innovative and potentially uncertain nature of the venture.

a high-stakes venture

Focuses on the significant potential consequences.

a risky proposition

Directly states the presence of risk and uncertainty.

a courageous move

Highlights the bravery and determination required.

an audacious plan

Emphasizes the ambition and unconventional nature of the strategy.

a significant investment

Focuses on the resources committed and potential returns.

an ambitious endeavor

Highlights the scale and scope of the undertaking.

a calculated risk

Suggests a deliberate assessment of potential outcomes.

a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success but potentially high reward.

FAQs

How can I use "a bold bet" in a sentence?

You can use "a bold bet" to describe risky decisions or ventures with potential for significant reward, such as "Investing in that startup was "a bold bet" that ultimately paid off".

What are some alternatives to "a bold bet"?

Consider alternatives such as "a daring gamble", "a risky proposition", or "a courageous move" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "bold bet" one word or two?

"Bold bet" is two words. When used as a noun phrase, it is typically preceded by an article, such as "a bold bet" or "the bold bet".

What makes "a bold bet" different from a simple "investment"?

"A bold bet" implies a higher degree of risk and uncertainty compared to a standard "investment". It suggests a willingness to take a chance on something that may not have a guaranteed return.