the odds are against (someone or something)

the odds are against (someone or something)

Someone or something is unlikely to be successful due to some existing circumstances, conditions, or obstacles that are likely to present difficulties. Tiffany wants to pursue a career in modeling, but she's only five feet tall, so the odds are against her. The odds are against their campaign, thanks to a lack of funding.

See also: odds

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

odds are against one

[for fate] to be against one generally. You can give it a try, but the odds are against you. I know the odds are against me, but I wish to run in the race anyway.

See also: odds, one

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.