chance would be a fine thing
A phrase used in reference to something that seems unlikely to happen. Primarily heard in UK. Michael asking me to the dance? Oh sure, chance would be a fine thing! Chance'd be a fine thing, but I doubt I'll ever earn enough to afford a house in London. A: "Maybe the teacher will let us out of class early today." B: "Ha! Chance would be a fine thing."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
chance would be a fine thing
People say chance would be a fine thing when there is almost no possibility of doing something they might like to do. She asked if I was going to get married. Chance would be a fine thing! boe2002
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
chance would be a fine thing
used to express a belief that something desirable that has just been mentioned is unlikely to happen. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
ˈchance would be a fine thing
(British English, spoken) used to say that you would like to do something but will probably not have the opportunity: ‘Are you going on holiday this year?’ ‘Chance would be a fine thing — I can’t even afford a day trip to London!’Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017