chances are: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘chances are’ mean?
The idiom "chances are" implies the likelihood or probability of something happening. It suggests that the outcome is likely to occur based on existing circumstances, although it does not guarantee it.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "dumb luck" refers to a situation where someone achieves success or good fortune purely by chance or luck, without any skill or effort on their part.
The idiom "doomed if you do, doomed if you don't" refers to a lose-lose situation, where any choice or action will lead to negative consequences or a bad outcome.
The idiom "dog's chance" refers to having very little or no possibility of success or survival in a given situation.
The idiom "come what may" means to face or accept whatever may happen or come, without worrying or fearing the outcome. It implies a determination to confront challenges or difficulties with courage and perseverance.
The idiom "come down to" means to ultimately be based on or determined by a particular thing or set of circumstances. It implies that the final decision or outcome is influenced by a specific factor.
The idiom "chance upon" means to find or discover something unexpectedly or by accident.
It implies encountering something or stumbling upon it without any prior intention or planning.
The idiom "chance'd be a fine thing" is used to express skepticism or doubt about the likelihood of something happening.
The Likelihood of Occurrence
Chances are, you've heard the phrase "chances are" before. It's a common idiom in American English that is used to express the probability or likelihood of something happening. But have you ever stopped to think about where this phrase came from or how it can be used in different contexts? In this article, we'll explore the origins and meaning of "chances are" and discuss some related idioms that can add depth to your understanding of this phrase.
One related idiom that is often used in conjunction with "chances are" is "off chance." This idiom is used to describe a small or unlikely possibility. For example, you might say, "chances are that I'll win the lottery, but it's an off chance." In this case, the phrase "off chance" emphasizes that winning the lottery is not a highly probable outcome, despite there being a chance of it happening.
Chanced'd be a fine thing
Another related idiom that can be used alongside "chances are" is "chance'd be a fine thing." This idiom is used to express a desire for something to happen, but with the understanding that it is unlikely or improbable. For instance, you might say, "chances are that I'll get a raise, but 'chance'd be a fine thing." Here, the phrase "chance'd be a fine thing" adds a touch of sarcasm or wistfulness to the statement, highlighting the speaker's longing for a raise.
The idiom "dog's chance" is yet another related phrase that can be used in conjunction with "chances are." This idiom is used to describe a very slim or almost nonexistent possibility. For example, you might say, "chances are that he'll pass the exam, but he only has a dog's chance." The phrase "dog's chance" conveys the idea that the person's chances of passing the exam are very low, similar to the likelihood of a dog winning a race against faster animals.
The final related idiom we'll explore is "as often as not." This phrase is often used to indicate that something happens on a regular or frequent basis, but not always. For instance, you might say, "chances are that I'll go to the gym tomorrow, but as often as not, I end up skipping it." Here, the phrase "as often as not" suggests that while there is a chance of going to the gym, it's just as likely that the speaker will end up not going.
"chances are" is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts to express the probability or likelihood of something happening. When combined with related idioms like "off chance," "chance'd be a fine thing," "dog's chance," and "as often as not," it adds depth and nuance to the statement. So, chances are that you'll encounter these idioms frequently in everyday conversations. Keep an ear out for them and see how they can enhance your understanding of the probability and likelihood of different outcomes.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "chances are" can be used in a sentence:
- Chances are, he won't be able to make it to the meeting tomorrow.
- If you study hard, chances are you will pass the exam.
- Chances are, it's going to rain later, so you should take an umbrella.
More "Probability" idioms
