- take a chance
- verbtake a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome (Freq. 6)-
When you buy these stocks you are gambling
• Syn:• Derivationally related forms:↑adventure (for: ↑adventure), ↑adventurer (for: ↑adventure), ↑hazard (for: ↑hazard), ↑risk (for: ↑risk), ↑chance (for: ↑chance), ↑gamble (for: ↑gamble), ↑gambler (for: ↑gamble)• Hyponyms: ↑go for broke, ↑luck it, ↑luck through• Verb Frames:-Somebody ——s that CLAUSE
-Somebody ——s
(for: ↑run a risk)-Somebody ——s PP
(for: ↑run a risk)* * *
phrasal or take one's chances: to leave an outcome entirely to chance : trust one's fortunes in a particular venture to mere chancetake a chance on the weather remaining fair
Pilgrims … preferred to take their chances with the Indians — Leslie Thomas
* * *
to do something even though it involves riskLorraine didn’t know me but she took a chance on my honesty.
It is just not worth taking any chances.
Thesaurus: to take riskssynonymMain entry: chance* * *
take a chance (or chances)behave in a way that leaves one vulnerable to danger or failure■ take a chance on put one's trust in (something or someone) knowing that it may not be safe or certain* * *
take a chance: to do something that could have either good or bad resultsShe's trying to find a publisher who will take a chance on her book. [=will publish her book without knowing for certain that it will succeed]
I'm not willing to take that chance.
He said he couldn't afford to take any chances.
He's not afraid to take chances. [=to do things that are risky or dangerous]
She was taking no chances. = She wasn't taking any chances.
“You might not succeed.” “I know, but I'll take my chances anyway.”
• • •Main Entry: ↑chance
Useful english dictionary. 2012.