have a gut feeling
Meaning
To have a strong instinct or intuition about something without clear evidence.
Origin
From the idea that strong emotions and instincts are felt physically in the stomach (“gut”), so a “gut feeling” is an intuition felt in the body rather than reasoned out.
Notes
Casual and common. Implies intuition rather than evidence; often used to soften a claim or justify caution.
Examples
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I have a gut feeling that we should leave earlier to avoid traffic.
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She had a gut feeling that the deal was too good to be true.
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Even without proof, he had a gut feeling that something was wrong.
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I can’t explain it, but I have a gut feeling you’re going to do great.
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They had a gut feeling the restaurant would be crowded, so they made a reservation.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: “have a gut feeling (that) …” or “have a gut feeling about …”. Verb inflects (have/has/had). Often paired with “just” (I just have a gut feeling…).
Synonyms
- have a hunch
- have an intuition
- have a feeling
- go with your gut
Antonyms
- be sure based on evidence
- know for a fact