He has a snowball's chance in hell of winning that race.
snowball's chance in hell
idiomAlmost no chance at all of an occurrence or success.
Origin
disputed origin19th-century American: a snowball would melt instantly in hell, so its chances are nil.
Without any experience or training, she realized she had a snowball's chance in hell of getting the job.
Given the overwhelming evidence against his case, the lawyer privately admitted his client had a snowball's chance in hell of avoiding a guilty verdict.
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all hell breaks loose
The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.
- 02
all over hell's half acre
All over the place; everywhere.
- 03
blow one's chance
To ruin, or fail to capitalise on an opportunity.
- 04
Buckley's chance
A very small chance; no chance at all.
- 05
catch hell
To be severely reprimanded, punished, or beaten.
- 06
chance upon
To find (someone or something) by chance.
- 07
chances are
It is likely that, it is probable that
- 08
Chinaman's chance
No chance; zero possibility.
Last updated July 12, 2026