in with a chance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in with a chance’ mean?
The idiom "in with a chance" means having a realistic opportunity or possibility of achieving success in a particular situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "jump at the chance" means to eagerly accept or take advantage of an opportunity without hesitation.
The idiom "in the right place at the right time" means being present at the perfect moment or location to take advantage of an opportunity or a fortunate event.
The idiom "in the cards" means something is likely to happen or is destined to happen.
The idiom "in one's dreams" means that something is unlikely or impossible to happen. It is often used to dismiss someone's unrealistic or fanciful ideas.
The idiom "hope against hope" means to continue hoping for something despite there being little or no chance of it happening.
The idiom "have a way with" means to possess a natural skill or talent for dealing with or influencing others in a particular area or situation.
The idiomatic phrase "go in with" means to jointly participate or collaborate with someone in a particular action or endeavor.
An idiom that describes a situation where something unexpectedly turns out to be successful or advantageous, despite initial expectations. The outcome is usually positive, but may also involve a degree of unpredictability or chaos.
The Enigmatic Possibility
The idiom "in with a chance" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It typically refers to someone or something having a realistic or favorable chance of succeeding or achieving a desired outcome. It is often used in informal conversations, as well as in written and spoken English.
One of the key factors that makes this idiom widely understood is its visual imagery. The use of the preposition "in" followed by "with" implies a sense of being included or having access to an opportunity. This expression conveys the idea that someone or something is actively participating and has a reasonable probability of achieving a positive outcome.
The origin and exact timeline of the idiom "in with a chance" are difficult to trace with certainty. However, it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. The use of prepositions like "in" and "with" to indicate participation and an opportunity aligns with the linguistic patterns commonly found in idiomatic expressions.
When used in a sentence, "in with a chance" can be applied to various contexts and scenarios. It can describe a sports team that has a fighting chance of winning a match or a person who chances are will get a job or promotion. It can also be used more figuratively, such as someone who fancies their chances in a competition or finds themselves in a dog's chance in a relationship or negotiation.
It is essential to note that the idiom "in with a chance" is predominantly used in informal and conversational settings. Its usage can vary depending on regional dialects and personal preferences. Given its popularity and simplicity, this idiom can be understood by native English speakers across different regions and age groups.
The idiom "in with a chance" is a versatile expression that captures the essence of having a reasonable prospect of success or a positive outcome. Its imagery, structure, and wide usage contribute to its popularity and understanding among English speakers. While the specific origins of the idiom remain elusive, its usage and interpretation continue to evolve within the dynamic nature of the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *in with a chance* can be used in a sentence:
1. After training hard for months, he is finally *in with a chance* to win the marathon.
2. The team played exceptionally well in the first half of the game and are now *in with a chance* of winning.
3. Despite facing tough competition, she believes she is *in with a chance* to get the job.
More "Opportunity" idioms
