# chance'd be a fine thing

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/chanced-be-a-fine-thing
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of no chance or fat chance, with a somewhat more cheerful attitude.

## Examples

- I would love a vacation, but chance'd be a fine thing.
- You think I can win the lottery? Chance'd be a fine thing.
- A full night of sleep? Chance'd be a fine thing with a new baby.
- I asked my boss for a month of paid leave, but he just laughed and said chance'd be a fine thing.
- My friend thinks we will finish this project by Friday, but with our busy schedule, chance'd be a fine thing.
- He hopes to find a quiet apartment in the city center for a low price, though chance'd be a fine thing these days.
- My brother suggests that we retire early and move to the coast, but with the rising cost of living, chance'd be a fine thing for most people.
- She dreamed of traveling the world on a whim, yet she knew that with her current debts, chance'd be a fine thing.

## Origin

An ellipsis of even having a chance [to do so / at that] would be a fine thing and similar ideas, in reference to something that is either completely impossible or currently forbidden by circumstances, higher authorities, etc., originally chiefly with regard to opportunities to have sex or get married.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.