take (one's) chances

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take (one's) chances

1. To seize and make the most of opportunities as they present themselves. It was a heartbreaking loss, but we have no one to blame but ourselves—if you don't take your chances in a game, you're never going to succeed.

2. To try to do something that carries a high risk of having a negative or unfortunate outcome. A: "You know that this deal could bankrupt the company, right?" B: "But if it works, it will make us a fortune. Let's take our chances."

See also: chance, take

take one's chances

Accept the risks, resign oneself to whatever happens, as in I've no idea whether this scheme will work; I'll just take my chances. [Early 1300s]

See also: chance, take

take ˈchances

do risky things: Take no chances: don’t lend money to people you don’t know.

See also: chance, take

take your ˈchances

(informal) make as much use as you can of your opportunities: When the offer of a job in Singapore came, I accepted it. After all, you have to take your chances in life.