chance · n
chance (RISK)
B2 a risk
Dictionary examples:
I'm delivering my work by hand. I'm not taking any chances. (16.7)
There's a chance of injury in almost any sport. (37.1)
(the) chances are
C2 it is likely
Dictionary examples:
Chances are that he'll refuse. (28.6)
If we plan a picnic, the chances are that it'll rain. (31.6)
stand a chance
C2 to have a chance of success or of achieving something
Dictionary examples:
He doesn’t stand much of a chance in the election. (22.4)
by any chance
C2 used to ask in a polite way whether something is possible or true
Dictionary examples:
You're not Spanish by any chance, are you? (51.8)
No chance!/ Not a chance!
C2 used to emphasize that there is no possibility of something happening
Dictionary examples:
"Do you think she'd go out with me?" "No chance!" (18.7)
a fair chance
C2 an equal and honest opportunity
Dictionary examples:
All he asks is a fair chance to prove his innocence. (47.5)
blow it/your chance(s)
C2 If you blow it or blow your chance, you lose an opportunity to do something by doing or saying the wrong thing.
Dictionary examples:
I blew it when I criticized the way she ran the office. (34.8)
Tom blew his chances of getting the job by arriving late for the interview. (35.5)
chance (LUCK)
B1 when something happens because of luck, or without being planned
Dictionary examples:
What are the chances of your homework eating your dog? (0.0)
By chance, I found a million dollars in my old socks! (0.0)
What are the chances of your socks matching on laundry day? (0.0)
I ran into her by chance in the supermarket. (18.4)
chance (POSSIBILITY)
B1 the possibility that something will happen
Dictionary examples:
What are the chances of me winning the lottery while being struck by lightning? (0.0)
What are the chances of finding a unicorn in your garden? (0.0)
What are the chances of finding a dinosaur hiding in your closet? (0.0)
Does she have any chance of winning? (15.8)
There's a chance (that) he'll still be there. (20.4)
There's a good chance (that) I'll have this essay finished by tomorrow. (38.7)
You'd have a better chance of passing your exams if you worked a bit harder. (57.0)
chance (OPPORTUNITY)
B1 the opportunity to do something
Dictionary examples:
I finally got a chance to sleep, but then my alarm went off. (0.0)
My boss gave me a chance to work overtime. I pretended to faint. (0.0)
I had a chance to exercise, but my couch looked too comfortable. (0.0)
I didn't get/have a chance to speak to her. (14.8)
If you give me a chance to speak, I'll explain. (18.3)
He left and I missed my chance to say goodbye to him. (20.6)
This trip is the chance of a lifetime. (29.6)