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stand a chance
stand a chance (of doing something)
to have a chance of doing something. Do you think I stand a chance of winning first place? Everyone stands a chance of catching the disease.
stand a chance
to have the possibility of being successful
If you're thinking about suing someone, talk to a lawyer to see if you stand a chance. Usage notes: often used in the form not stand a chance: Shy students don't stand a chance in such a large class.
stand a chance
to have a chance of success (usually negative) If government funding is withdrawn, small, independent theatres don't stand a chance. (often + of + doing sth) We might stand a chance of winning if we continue to play as well as we did today.
stand a chance
Have a possibility or a hope of success, as in
Do you think Mary stands a chance of finishing the marathon? or
I think we stand a fair chance of seeing the Queen arrive at Buckingham Palace. This idiom was first recorded in 1796. Also see
not have an earthly chance.
stand a chance
To have a chance, as of gaining or accomplishing something.