chance
How likely it is that something will happen.
The likelihood that a particular event will occur.
A time when you can do something you want or need to do.
A time or situation in which it is possible to do something you want or need to do.
Something that happens without planning or control.
An occurrence caused by luck or accident rather than design or intention.
To do or find something without planning it.
To do, find, or experience something without intending to.
- Base: chance
- Plural: chance, chances
- Base: chance
- 3rd Person Singular: chances
- Present Participle: chancing
- Past: chanced
- Past Participle: chanced
by chance
1happening without planning
Something that happens without being planned or expected.
- I met her purely by chance at the café.
- He found the letter by chance while cleaning his desk.
fat chance
1sarcastic way to say no possibility
'Fat chance' means there is almost no possibility of something happening, and is often said sarcastically.
- "Will he lend you money?" "Fat chance."
- Fat chance we’ll get tickets now that it’s sold out.
on the off-chance
1in case something unlikely happens
Doing something because there is a small possibility it will help or succeed.
- I called him on the off-chance he was still at home.
- She packed her swimsuit on the off-chance they would go swimming.
stand a chance
1have a possibility of success
To have some possibility of winning or succeeding.
- We don’t stand a chance against such a strong team.
- She stands a good chance of passing the exam.
take a chance
1do something risky for possible gain
To try something that might fail but could bring success if it works.
- You should take a chance and apply for the job.
- They took a chance on investing in the new company.