chance
noun
tʃɑːns 
tʃæns 
1 [countable, uncountable] a possibility of something happening, especially something that you wantchance of doing something Is there any chance of getting tickets for tonight?She has only a slim chance of passing the exam.chance that… There's a slight chance that he'll be back in time.There is no chance that he will change his mind.chance of something happening What chance is there of anybody being found alive?chance of something Nowadays a premature baby has a very good chance of survival.The operation has a fifty-fifty chance of success.an outside chance (= a very small one)The chances are a million to one against being struck by lightning.2 [countable] a suitable time or situation when you have the opportunity to do somethingIt was the chance she had been waiting for.Jeff deceived me once already—I won't give him a second chance.This is your big chance (= opportunity for success).chance of something We won't get another chance of a holiday this year.chance to do something Please give me a chance to explain.Tonight is your last chance to catch the play at your local theatre.chance for somebody to do something There will be a chance for parents to look around the school.3 [countable] an unpleasant or dangerous possibilityWhen installing electrical equipment don't take any chances. A mistake could kill.The car might break down but that's a chance we'll have to take.4 [uncountable] the way that some things happen without any cause that you can see or understandI met her by chance (= without planning to) at the airport.Chess is not a game of chance.It was pure chance that we were both there.We'll plan everything very carefully and leave nothing to chance.Idioms
as chance would have it
happening in a way that was lucky, although it was not planned
As chance would have it, John was going to London too, so I went with him.be in with a chance (of doing something)
(British English, informal) to have the possibility of succeeding or achieving something‘Do you think we'll win?’ ‘I think we're in with a chance.’He's in with a good chance of passing the exam.by any chance
used especially in questions, to ask whether something is true, possible, etc.
Are you in love with him, by any chance?the chances are (that)…
(informal) it is likely that…The chances are you won't have to pay.chance would be a fine thing
(British English, informal) people say chance would be a fine thing to show that they would like to do or have the thing that somebody has mentioned, but that they do not think that it is very likelygive somebody/something half a chance
to give somebody/something some opportunity to do something
That dog will give you a nasty bite, given half a chance.no chance
(informal) there is no possibility‘Do you think he'll do it?’ ‘No chance.’on the off chance (that)
because of the possibility of something happening, although it is unlikely
I didn't think you'd be at home but I just called by on the off chance.stand a chance (of doing something)
to have the possibility of succeeding or achieving something
The driver didn't stand a chance of stopping in time.take a chance (on something)
to decide to do something, knowing that it might be the wrong choice
We took a chance on the weather and planned to have the party outside.take your chances
to take a risk or to use the opportunities that you have and hope that things will happen in the way that you want
He took his chances and jumped into the water.
Usage note: luckchance coincidence accident fate destinyThese are all words for things that happen or the force that causes them to happen.luck the force that causes good or bad things to happen to people: This ring has always brought me good luck.chance the way that some things happen without any cause that you can see or understand: The results could simply be due to chance.coincidence the fact of two things happening at the same time by chance, in a surprising way: They met through a series of strange coincidences.accident something that happens unexpectedly and is not planned in advance: Their early arrival was just an accident.fate the power that is believed to control everything that happens and that cannot be stopped or changed: Fate decreed that she would never reach America.destiny the power that is believed to control events: I believe there's some force guiding us—call it God, destiny or fate.fate or destiny?Fate can be kind, but this is an unexpected gift; just as often, fate is cruel and makes people feel helpless. Destiny is more likely to give people a sense of power: people who have a strong sense of destiny usually believe that they are meant to be great or do great things.by …luck/chance/coincidence/accidentIt's no coincidence/accident that…pure/sheer luck/chance/coincidence/accidentto believe in luck/coincidences/fate/destiny