What does the phrase "dollars to donuts" mean?

wdwfla

I'm so confident of my assertion, I'll bet DOLLARS which are measurably valuable TO your DONUTS which are worth much much less, in fact, shaped like zero's, and still feel that the long odds I have given are justified. DOLLARS TO DOUGHNUTS (or donuts) - "The almost forgotten terms 'dollars-to-buttons' and 'dollars-to-dumplings' appeared in the 1880s, meaning 'almost certain' and usually used in 'I'll bet you dollars-to-buttons/dumplings.' They were replaced by 1890 with the more popular 'dollars-to-doughnuts' (a 1904 variation, 'dollars-to-cobwebs,' never became very common, perhaps because it didn't alliterate)." From "Listening to America" by Stuart Berg Flexner (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1982). May 30 06, 9:48 AM

Banty

If you say that something will happen, dollars to donuts, you mean you are sure it will happen. Dollars to donuts the company is going to fold. I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts she won't come to the party. Hope you are satisfied with the answer. May 30 06, 1:15 PM

MyAlias

One is wagering something of great value against something of relatively no value as an assertion of assuredness concerning their point of belief. May 30 06, 2:07 PM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

Which chain is Dunkin Donuts' closest competitor? Why are dollars called bucks? Is the symbol "$" specific only to US dollars? Why was a Shanghai cyclist awarded 1,446 dollars in January 2000?

1 What Does That Unusual Word Mean? 10 somewhat obscure words. What is their real meaning? Unusual and Obscure Words Difficult 10 Q awkins Apr 19 00 1953 plays 2 What Does That Saying Really Mean? The following phrases are self explanatory, but you need to fill in the blank! All of the questions are multiple choice - so just have fun! Idioms and Proverbs Average 10 Q Engadine Jun 02 03 3156 plays 3 What Does This Girl's Name Mean? Do you know what names mean? Find out if you know these ten. Look at the hints and try to figure out the meaning. Female Names Average 10 Q baby2002 Mar 13 03 2643 plays