stand a chance of
idiom
: to have a possibility of (succeeding or winning)
The team stands a chance of doing well this year.
I think she stands a good chance of winning the election.
—often used in negative statementsShe stands no chance of winning.
Examples of stand a chance of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For those who might stand a chance of breaking through, the final decision would appear to rest with Glasner, although there will be consultation.
—
Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Although this would require coming at least second in the first round of presidential elections next year— which as things stand is far from certain—most polls indicate that Hollande would stand a chance of winning a second round against Le Pen.
—Carlo Invernizzi Accetti, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2016
In 2012, when the two were competing for best original song at the Golden Globes, John said that Madonna didn’t stand a chance of beating him.
—Yan Zhuang, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
As the drones become more capable and the guidance software becomes smarter, no low-tech organization will stand a chance of survival.
—Kevin Drum, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018
See All Example Sentences for stand a chance of
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Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 18 June 2025
Although this would require coming at least second in the first round of presidential elections next year— which as things stand is far from certain—most polls indicate that Hollande would stand a chance of winning a second round against Le Pen.
—Carlo Invernizzi Accetti, Foreign Affairs, 18 Feb. 2016
In 2012, when the two were competing for best original song at the Golden Globes, John said that Madonna didn’t stand a chance of beating him.
—Yan Zhuang, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
As the drones become more capable and the guidance software becomes smarter, no low-tech organization will stand a chance of survival.
—Kevin Drum, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018
See All Example Sentences for stand a chance of
Cite this Entry
“Stand a chance of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stand%20a%20chance%20of. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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