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What does "chance" mean?

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In addition to the idioms beginning with chance, also see by chance; Chinaman's chance; eye to the main chance; fat chance; fighting chance; jump at (the chance); not have an earthly chance; on the (off) chance; snowball's chance in hell; sporting chance; stand a chance; take a chance; take one's chances.

See chance in WNW Idioms

by chance

as it may happen; perchance
accidentally

chance on

or chance upon

to find or meet by chance

(the) chances are

the likelihood is chances are she will visit today

on the (off) chance

relying on the (remote) possibility; in case

take one's chances

Informal to accept the uncertain outcome as of a course of action

See chance in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

by chance

Without plan; accidentally: They met by chance on a plane.
Possibly; perchance: Is he, by chance, her brother?

on the off chance

In the slight hope or possibility.

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