outside chance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘outside chance’ mean?
The idiom "outside chance" means a very small probability or possibility of something happening.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run a risk" means to take a chance or engage in an activity that could have negative consequences or uncertain outcomes.
The idiom "roll the dice" means to take a risk or make a decision without knowing the outcome or consequences.
The idiom "roll of the dice" means taking a chance or accepting a situation where the outcome is uncertain and unpredictable.
The idiom "ride one's luck" means to depend on chance or luck, often in a risky or daring situation, rather than on one's own skills or abilities. It suggests taking advantage of favorable circumstances without having much control over the outcome.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
"Out of luck" means to have no good fortune or opportunities, often due to circumstances beyond one's control.
The idiom "on the toss of a coin" means making a decision or taking a chance based solely on the outcome of a coin toss.
The idiom "on the cards" means that something is likely or probable to happen in the future.
The idiom "once in a while" means occasionally or infrequently.
Unveiling the Secret
The idiom "outside chance" is commonly used in American English to describe a situation or possibility that is unlikely or remote. It emphasizes the unlikelihood of a favorable outcome. Another similar idiom is "off chance," which conveys a similar meaning of a low probability. Both idioms suggest that while the chances may be slim, they still exist.
The term "outside chance" originated from the world of horse racing. In racing, it refers to a horse that is given a low probability of winning. The horse is positioned on the outer edges of the track, away from the favored inside positions. This positioning reflects the idea that the horse has a lower chance of winning compared to those positioned on the inside.
Outside of the racing context, the idiom "outside chance" has gained popularity and become a part of everyday language. It is used in various situations, not limited to sports or gambling-related discussions. For example, people might use the expression "outside chance" to describe the remote possibility of winning a lottery or getting a job offer after a less successful interview.
Furthermore, the idioms "chances are" and "no chance" are related expressions that can be used alongside "outside chance." "Chances are" is used when the probability of something happening is high, while "no chance" indicates the complete absence of the possibility.
The idiom "outside chance" can also be used to convey a sense of hope or optimism in situations where success is uncertain. It suggests that even though the chances may be slim, they still exist, and one should not entirely dismiss the possibility. This notion is similar to the idiom "dog's chance," which is used to describe a situation with an extremely low probability. The use of "dog's chance" can emphasize the unlikelihood of a favorable outcome, but it still acknowledges the existence of a small possibility.
It is interesting to note that similar idioms with a comparable connotation exist in other languages. In British English, for instance, a similar expression is "slim chance." Both idioms convey the notion of low probability or slim chances. However, it is important to distinguish these idioms from other phrases or expressions that may sound similar but have distinct meanings.
Overall, the idiom "outside chance" is deeply rooted in the world of horse racing but has gained popularity in everyday American English. It is used to describe a situation or possibility that is unlikely but not impossible. While it may carry a sense of pessimism, it also acknowledges the existence of a faint glimmer of hope. Its usage extends beyond horse racing and can be found in various contexts, conveying the idea of remote probability or the potential for unlikely outcomes.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom outside chance can be used are:
- There's an outside chance it will rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella just in case.
- She had an outside chance of winning the lottery, but it was very unlikely.
- Despite being the underdog, the team still had an outside chance of winning the championship.
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