odds are stacked against (someone)
idiom
—used to describe a situation in which someone does not have a good or fair chance of winning, succeeding, etc.
She felt the odds are stacked against her.
Examples of odds are stacked against (someone) in a Sentence
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The odds are stacked against them — children from the lowest income families are far less likely to enroll in or graduate from four-year colleges and more likely to be incarcerated, keeping the ladder to middle-class stability out of reach.
—
Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Even in a state where the odds are stacked against Democrats winning elections, donating to the party can be a way of expressing political opinions in a fraught national political environment, Kettler said.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2025
Speaking of tribes that feel like the odds are stacked against them, some tribes and players feel like the odds are stacked in their favor because of multiple advantages.
—Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 9 June 2025
Whatever unfolds inside the Manhattan courtroom, attorney and former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani — who is not involved in the case — believes the odds are stacked against him.
—Danielle Bacher, People.com, 9 May 2025
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Aisha Nyandoro, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025
Even in a state where the odds are stacked against Democrats winning elections, donating to the party can be a way of expressing political opinions in a fraught national political environment, Kettler said.
—Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2025
Speaking of tribes that feel like the odds are stacked against them, some tribes and players feel like the odds are stacked in their favor because of multiple advantages.
—Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 9 June 2025
Whatever unfolds inside the Manhattan courtroom, attorney and former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani — who is not involved in the case — believes the odds are stacked against him.
—Danielle Bacher, People.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for odds are stacked against (someone)
Cite this Entry
“Odds are stacked against (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/odds%20are%20stacked%20against%20%28someone%29. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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