Conveying doubt or uncertainty regarding another person's moral character or behavior.

To signal to listeners or readers that the speaker doubts others will act honorably or expects deception from a particular individual.

When discussing rumors, gossip about possible wrongdoing, or when warning against trusting someone’s word based on past actions.

Informal conversations among acquaintances; social commentary in news analysis where credibility is questioned.

I wouldn't put it past; to

I wouldn't put it past; to

person (he, she, they); action (cheat, lie, steal, manipulate, etc.)

• him
• her
• them

• I wouldn't be surprised if he did that
• He's capable of anything

Misinterpreting the phrase as a positive endorsement or using it in contexts where no suspicion is intended.

Nothing would surprise me from him, I suspect foul play on his part

Avoid literal translations that imply optimism about someone's behavior.

• I wouldn't put it past him
• Nothing would surprise me

Adds a conspiratorial tone, implying moral ambiguity and suggesting hidden motives behind actions.

Creates a skeptical atmosphere, signals to listeners or readers that caution is warranted regarding the individual's reliability.

Suspicion of character

This idiom is used to express a strong suspicion that someone is capable of doing something dishonest or underhanded. It is often used in informal conversations and social commentary to question someone's credibility or moral character.

I suspect foul play on his part, He's capable of anything