We often look to the number ten to measure perfection, whether it’s a score or a commitment. Phrases like “ten out of ten” or “five will get you ten” reflect how this number has become synonymous with our cultural expectations and perceptions. Over the years, the number ten has made its way into various English phrases, each offering a sense of scale, certainty, or emphasis. As the saying goes, “ten to one,” the influence of this number is here to stay.
Most Common Ten Phrases
A hundred and ten percent
Meaning: To give more than one’s full effort or commitment.
Example: She gave a hundred and ten percent during the competition and earned first place.
Five will get you ten
Meaning: A statement of probability, implying that something is likely to happen.
Example: Five will get you ten that she’ll forget about our meeting again.
Hang ten
Meaning: To ride a wave with all ten toes hanging over the edge of the board, often used to refer to surfing or chilling out.
Example: After the long week at work, he decided to go to the beach and just hang ten.
Nine times out of ten
Meaning: Almost always; very likely to happen.
Example: Nine times out of ten, he gets the answers right on the first try.
Starter for ten
Meaning: An initial question or task, often a reference to quizzes or a first step in a series.
Example: The host said, “Your starter for ten: Who was the first president of the United States?”
Ten-foot pole
Meaning: A metaphorical expression meaning not to go near or engage with something, often implying avoidance.
Example: I wouldn’t touch that offer with a ten-foot pole—it sounds too risky.
Ten out of ten
Meaning: A perfect score; the highest rating or praise.
Example: The movie was brilliant—I’d give it a ten out of ten.
Ten steps ahead
Meaning: To be far ahead in planning or thinking, showing foresight or preparation.
Example: She’s always ten steps ahead of everyone in the meeting with her ideas.
Ten toes down
Meaning: Fully committed or standing firm in a decision or stance.
Example: He’s ten toes down in support of his team, no matter the odds.
Ten a penny
Meaning: Something that is very common and of little value.
Example: Ideas like that are ten a penny—everyone’s had them at some point.
Ten to one
Meaning: Something that is highly likely to happen, or a very strong chance.
Example: Ten to one, he’ll be late again, as usual.
Three score and ten
Meaning: Seventy years, often referring to a typical human lifespan.
Example: He lived a full life, reaching three score and ten before passing peacefully.