take one’s chance: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘take one's chance’ mean?
The idiom "take one's chance" means to seize or accept an opportunity or risk without knowing the outcome. It implies a willingness to try despite the uncertainty or potential for failure.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "try one's hand" means to attempt or make an effort at doing something, especially when it is a skill or activity that one is not familiar with or experienced in.
The idiom "tempt fate" means to take unnecessary risks or challenge the possibility of something bad happening.
The idiom "take on faith" means to believe or accept something without evidence or proof.
It implies trusting someone or something blindly, without questioning or doubting.
It often applies to beliefs, ideas, or statements that are not easily verifiable.
The idiom "take one's time" means to proceed at a relaxed and unhurried pace without feeling rushed or pressured.
The idiom "take one's leave" means to say goodbye or depart from a place or a person.
The idiom "take one's hook" means to leave or depart, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. It conveys the idea of someone quietly removing themselves from a situation or place.
The idiom "take on" means to assume responsibility or an undertaking. It can also mean to confront or challenge someone or something.
The idiom "take occasion" means to seize or make use of an opportunity or favorable circumstance. It implies the action of recognizing and utilizing a specific event or situation to one's advantage.
The idiom "take matters into one's own hands" means to personally handle or assume responsibility for a situation instead of relying on others to do so.
"Unleashing Opportunities: Unraveling 'Take One's Chance'"
The idiom "take one's chance" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It refers to the act of seizing an opportunity or taking a risk in a particular situation. The phrase itself consists of two key elements: "take" and "chance."
"Take" in this context means to accept or seize an opportunity. It implies an active and deliberate action on the part of the individual involved. By using the word "take," the idiom emphasizes the agency of the person in question, suggesting that they have a choice in whether or not to pursue the opportunity.
"Chance" refers to the possibility of something happening. It carries a sense of uncertainty or unpredictability. When combined with "take," the idiom implies that the individual is willing to embrace this unpredictability and risk the outcome. By taking their chance, they are accepting the possibility of success or failure.
The idiom "take one's chance" can be traced back to the 16th century, indicating its long history in the English language. Over time, it has become a widely understood expression, used by English speakers across different contexts and regions.
Although the idiom itself is clear in its meaning, its versatility allows for a range of applications. It can refer to small everyday opportunities, such as taking a chance on a new job opportunity or pursuing a romantic relationship. Similarly, it can encompass larger and more significant risks, such as making a life-changing decision or embarking on a new venture.
When we "take one's chance," it is akin to "taking a gamble" or "taking a risk." These idioms share the common theme of embracing the uncertainty and potential outcomes that come with seizing an opportunity or pursuing a course of action. Just as with "take one's chance," "take a gamble" and "take a risk" emphasize the active and deliberate decision to embrace the unknown.
While "take one's chance" emphasizes seizing an opportunity or risking an outcome, "take a gamble" focuses more specifically on the act of wagering or betting on a specific outcome. It carries a connotation of uncertainty and the potential for a favorable or unfavorable result. Like "take one's chance," "take a gamble" underscores the agency of the individual in choosing to engage in a risky endeavor with the hope of a positive outcome.
On the other hand, "take a risk" refers to the act of willingly accepting the possibility of a negative outcome in pursuit of a desired goal. It highlights the willingness to step outside of one's comfort zone and enter into a situation where the outcome is uncertain. Like "take one's chance" and "take a gamble," "take a risk" conveys a sense of agency and choice in actively engaging with uncertainty.
Overall, these idioms, including "take one's chance," "take a gamble," and "take a risk," all speak to the human experience of embracing uncertainty and actively engaging with the potential risks and rewards that come with it. They underscore the importance of having agency and choice in pursuing opportunities and facing the unknown. Whether it's seizing a small everyday opportunity or embarking on a life-changing decision, these idioms remind us of the power we have in shaping our own paths and determining our own outcomes.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "take one's chance" can be used in a sentence:
- She decided to take her chance and apply for the job, even though she didn't have much experience.
- He took his chance and entered the lottery, hoping to win a large sum of money.
- The soccer player took his chance and shot from outside the box, scoring a goal for his team.
More "Opportunity" idioms
