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REFERENCE

Buckley's and none

idiom
Meaning

A supposed two chances (probabilities), being Buckley's chance (meaning a very small chance) or no chance at all.


Origin

disputed origin

Uncertain. Various folk legends are listed at Buckley's chance.

Examples
SIMPLE

If you do not study, you have Buckley's and none of passing.

CONTEXTUAL

With the team trailing by ten points in the final minute, they have Buckley's and none of winning this game.

COMPLEX

Given the lack of evidence and the judge's clear bias, the defense lawyer knew his client had Buckley's and none of avoiding a guilty verdict.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    bar none

    Without exception; excluding nothing else of the same kind.

  2. 02

    have none of something

    To be completely unwilling to accept or support something.

  3. 03

    it's none of your business

    It's a matter (especially a private or personal one) that you are not entitled to be involved in or informed about.

  4. 04

    jack of all trades, master of none

    A person who has a competent grasp of many skills but who is not outstanding in any one.

  5. 05

    none of someone's business

    A matter (especially a private or personal one) that someone is not entitled to be involved in or informed about.

  6. 06

    none other than

    Used to qualify a person whose eminence may be more than one would expect in the given situation.

  7. 07

    none the wiser

    Not at all aware of something that has happened; oblivious to an incident or occurrence.

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