1. Home
2. Idioms
3. stand a chance

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.

See also: chance, stand

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.

See also: chance, stand

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to have a chance of success (usually negative) If government funding is withdrawn, small, independent theatres don't stand a chance.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.

See also: chance, stand

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.

See also: chance, stand

stand a chance

To have a chance, as of gaining or accomplishing something.

See also: chance, stand