{not} [put] {sth} past {sb}
1
to believe that someone is capable of doing something, especially something negative or unexpected, based on their past behavior or character
The idiom "not put something past someone" is used to indicate that one believes a person is capable of a particular action or behavior, even if it may seem surprising, unusual, or negative. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it is commonly used in casual conversation to convey a degree of suspicion.
- I should know by now not to put such vile treachery past the likes of him.
- I wouldn't put anything past him, including murder.
- Considering his competitive nature, I wouldn't put trying to outdo his colleagues past him.
- With her resourcefulness, I wouldn't put finding a way out of the tricky situation past her.
- After what he did last time, I wouldn't put sneaking into the party without an invitation past him.