Stand a chance

Meaning

The idiom "stand a chance" means to have an opportunity or possibility of succeeding or getting something that one desires, especially if it is uncertain. It can also mean having a good chance of surviving or making it through a difficult situation.

Usage

• If you want to win the lottery, you need to buy tickets and stand a chance of being picked.
• The company is struggling and its employees may have to take pay cuts to keep it afloat; they don't have much of a chance to negotiate better terms.
• As an athlete, there are no guarantees in sports - you have to work hard and stand a chance of winning the game.
• If you want to get into a prestigious school or job, you need to put yourself out there and stand a chance of being selected.
• In life, you never know what may happen next - all you can do is keep your head up and stand a chance of making it through tough times.

Roots and History

The phrase "stand a chance" has been used in English since at least the 17th century. It comes from an earlier idiom, "to stand a chance," which meant to have a good opportunity or possibility of success. Over time, the idiom evolved to its current meaning and usage.

Synonyms in English

• Have a shot at it
• Give it a try
• Be in the running
• Make an attempt
• Take a stab at it

Synonyms in other languages

• チャンス (Japanese) - to have a chance or possibility of succeeding
• 기회 (Korean) - to have a chance or opportunity to do something
• פולשן (Hebrew) - to have a chance or possibility of success
• קהלה עליהם (Hebrew) - to have a chance or possibility of being blessed
• קוסניה (Yiddish) - to have a chance or possibility of success

Similar Idioms

• snowball effect

• on a roll

• spanner in the works