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chance

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

chance / chans/ • n. 1. a possibility of something happening: there is little chance of his finding a job. ∎  (chances) the probability of something happening: he played down his chances of becoming chairman. ∎  [in sing.] an opportunity to do or achieve something: I gave her a chance to answer. ∎  a ticket in a raffle or lottery. 2. the occurrence and development of events in the absence of any obvious design: he met his brother by chance. ∎  the unplanned and unpredictable course of events regarded as a power: chance was offering me success. • adj. fortuitous; accidental: a chance meeting. • v. 1. [intr.] do something by accident or without design: if they chanced to meet. ∎  (chance upon/on) find or see by accident: he chanced upon an interesting advertisement. 2. [tr.] inf. do (something) despite its being dangerous or of uncertain outcome: she chanced another look. PHRASES: by any chance possibly (used in tentative inquiries or suggestions): were you looking for me by any chance? no chance inf. there is no possibility of that: I asked if we could leave early and she said, “No chance.” on the (off) chance just in case: Joan phoned at noon on the off chance that he’d be home. stand a chance have a prospect of success or survival: his rivals don't stand a chance. take a chance (or chances) behave in a way that leaves one vulnerable to danger or failure. ∎  (take a chance on) put one's trust in (something or someone) knowing that it may not be safe or certain. take one's chances do something risky with the hope of success.

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© The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2008, originally published by Oxford University Press 2008.