ENGLISH
REFERENCE

Chinaman's chance

idiom
Meaning

No chance; zero possibility.


Origin

disputed origin

Originally a reference to the socio-economic prospects of immigrant Chinese labour in the United States in the 19th century, which often involved highly dangerous work on the railroads.

Examples
SIMPLE

He has not a Chinaman's chance of winning this race.

CONTEXTUAL

Without any experience or training, she realized she did not have a Chinaman's chance of getting the job.

COMPLEX

Given the overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, the defense attorney knew his client did not have a Chinaman's chance of an acquittal.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    blow one's chance

    To ruin, or fail to capitalise on an opportunity.

  2. 02

    Buckley's chance

    A very small chance; no chance at all.

  3. 03

    chance upon

    To find (someone or something) by chance.

  4. 04

    dog's chance

    Little or no likelihood.

  5. 05

    fat chance

    Little or no chance, a low or nonexistent likelihood of occurrence or success; a faint chance.

  6. 06

    fighting chance

    A chance that is dependent on success in a struggle, with the implication that such success is not unattainable.

  7. 07

    in with a chance

    Having a chance.

  8. 08

    jump at the chance

    To immediately accept an offer; to seize an opportunity.

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