Thẻ ghi nhớ: IDIOMS - PROBABILITY AND LUCK | Quizlet

on the off-chance

because you hope you will do or find something or someone even if you do not think success is very likely. Example: You try something on the off-chance at work this week and achieve success against all the odds.

against all the odds

despite a lot of problems making it unlikely that you will succeed. Example: You try something on the off-chance at work this week and achieve success against all the odds.

take someone for granted

not to show you're grateful to someone because they are with you so often. Example: At home you must be careful not to take someone close to you for granted.

a foregone conclusion

the result is obvious to everyone even before it happens. Example: If you do, it is a foregone conclusion that you will regret it sooner rather than later.

come a mile off

have seen that something, usually something bad, is likely to happen. Example: Others have seen changes in your love life coming a mile off.

touch-and-go

not certain (often followed by whether). Example: It is touch-and-go whether your current relationship will survive this week.

No prizes for guessing

it is very easy to guess (usually followed by a question word). Example: No prizes for guessing who is to blame for the problems.

the cards are stacked against

you are not likely to succeed because there are so many obstacles in your way. Example: Do not listen to others when they say that the cards are stacked against you.

chancing your arm

taking a risk to achieve what you want (informal). Example: It is always worth chancing your arm.

in the lap of the gods

is not something that you can control yourself. Example: Whether you succeed or not is in the lap of the gods.

Don't push your luck!

Don't try too hard to get what you want and risk losing what you have achieved. Example: I got away with missing afternoon school last Friday, so I'm going to try taking all of Friday off next week. - Don't push your luck!

take pot luck

We'll take whatever is available without knowing if it will be good or not. Example: Would you like to choose which hotel room you want? - We'll take pot luck.

It's the luck of the draw.

It's a matter of chance and you have no control over it. Example: Do you always get a good horse at the riding stables you go to? - It's the luck of the draw.

Just my luck!

You say this, usually humorously, to mean that you are always unlucky. Example: You're playing against the best player in the competition! - Just my luck!

No such luck!

You are disappointed you weren't able to do what you would have liked to do. Example: Did you manage to persuade Laura to come on holiday with you? - No such luck!

You should be so lucky!

What someone wants to happen is unlikely to happen. Example: I dreamt that Justin Timberlake invited me to one of his parties last night! - You should be so lucky!