1a possibility of something happening:there is a chance of winning the raffle [mass noun]:there is little chance of his finding a job
(chances) the probability of something desirable happening:he played down his chances of becoming chairman
[in singular] an opportunity to do or achieve something:I gave her a chance to answer
2 [mass noun] the occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious intention or cause:he met his brother by chance
ზმნა
Universal
1 [no object, with infinitive] do something by accident or without intending to:he was very effusive if they chanced to meet
(chance upon/on/across) find or see by accident:he chanced upon an interesting advertisement
2 [with object] informal do (something) despite its being dangerous or of uncertain outcome:they chanced a late holiday
as chance would have it
as it happened:as chance would have it, we were going camping that weekend
by any chance
possibly (used in tentative enquiries or suggestions):were you looking for me by any chance?
chance one's arm (or luck)
British informal undertake something although it may be dangerous or unsuccessful:the ferryman decided not to chance his luck in the storm
chance would be a fine thing
British informal expressing a speaker’s belief that something is desirable but the opportunity is unlikely to arise:‘You should come to the cafe with us.’ ‘Chance would be a fine thing.’
no chance
informal there is no possibility of that:Pressed for further comment, he snarled: ‘No chance.’
on the (off) chance
just in case:she thought of ringing on the off chance of catching him at the flat
stand a chance
have a prospect of success or survival:his rivals don’t stand a chance
take a chance (or chances)
behave in a way that leaves one vulnerable to danger or failure:the bank was prepared to take a chance and lend him 40% of the purchase priceit was probably safe, but she was taking no chances
(take a chance on) put one’s trust in (something or someone) knowing that it may not be safe or certain:his boss was prepared to take a chance on youngsters
take one's chance
do something risky with the hope of success:he was tempted to stay on the train and take his chance
